Investigation Launched on the Interference in Professional Activities of a Journalist

Dedoplistskaro district police department started investigation on the interference in the professional activities of the journalist Ilia Martkoplishvili. The criminal case was launched under Article 154 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.

Martkoplishvili reported that on May 11 single mandate candidate of the Christian-Democrat Movement slapped him in the face in the Dedoplistskaro district administration and banned him to write article about him.

Investigator Davit Popiashvili was in charge of the case; however the journalist requested to replace him.

“His father Paata Popiashvili is candidate of the Christian Democrat Movement and I think he could not be impartial,” said Martkoplishvili.

Dedoplistskaro district police department satisfied the petition of the journalist and investigator Valeri Lekashvili is in charge of his case now.