Gori District’s Governor Insults Journalists

Today, on December 9, 2008 Davit Khmiadashvili, Gori District Governor verbally assaulted Saba Tsitsikashvili, the journalist of the Human Rights Center and Tamar Okruashvili, the correspondent of People’s Newspaper (local newspaper) while they were covering a protest in  the Gori center. 

The journalists were talking with the inhabitants of Karaleti Village, the protesters.  Davit Khmiadashvili, Gori District Governor came to them and called journalists provocateurs.

“Leave from here immediately. Why do you lie to people? You, provocateurs,” shouted out Khmiadashvili in a rage. 

Tamar Okruashvili reminded the Gori District Governor of her journalistic rights and called him for being more polite when talking to a woman. However, the district governor did not stop. Saba Tsitsikashvili explained that they were journalists and wanted to cover the problems faced by people. “I know who you are!” answered the Governor.

Tamar Okruashvili tried to film the argument with her cell phone. The District Governor impeded her in the attempt and slammed the journalist’s phone on the ground. The incident occurred in front of District Administration building in the Gori town center.

Human Rights Centre