On March 2, in the Tsinandali complex, security police detained coordinator of Kakheti office of the Human Rights Center and journalist Gela Mtivlishvili. Head of security police insulted the journalist and warned him against visiting the complex territory under threat of gun; otherwise they threatened him with physical assault.
“Last week, Kakheti News Center reported based on the information provided by the residents of Tsinandali village that they opposed Silk Road Group. The residents of Tsinandali village are not allowed into the garden without payment though the government had promised them. I arrived in Tsinandali to meet the administration of the complex regarding the issue; they did not let me in as a journalist; so I had to buy ticket as a visitor. 8 policemen followed me and several minutes later they prohibited me to continue my way. They requested my ID and ticket. At that time, the man, who introduced himself as a head of security police, ordered the officers to arrest me. I protested it and requested meeting with authoritative person. I was surrounded by policemen for 15 minutes and could not leave the area. The head of security police cursed and threatened me with physical assault. I managed to leave the garden after the responsible person arrived in the complex, though he did not say his name,” said Gela Mtivlishvili.
During detention, the journalist informed Telavi district police department and administration of Kakheti regional governor; though in vain.
Kakheti News Center