Youth leader of Georgian Dream party caught on camera spatting at demonstrators and a journalist, hurling offensive remarks

In the heart of Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, an anti-government protest took place on Wednesday evening. The gathering was held at the opening of Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze's local elections campaign headquarters, as hundreds of citizens voiced their opposition to the ruling party's policies and the mass sentencing of individuals detained during ongoing anti-government demonstrations.

The latest wave of protests in Georgia began on 28 November 2024, with hundreds of people being detained, and criminal cases launched in over 50 instances. The incident in question occurred during this ongoing series of demonstrations.

The Interior Ministry, Georgian Dream, and the Georgian Dream youth movement did not respond regarding the incident or if an investigation had been opened. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, however, addressed the situation. Despite avoiding a direct answer about the actions of Georgian Dream representatives, he referred to them as 'Natsititushki orcs'.

The protest was marked by several disturbing incidents. Giorgi Shukvani, a leader of Georgian Dream's youth movement, was seen spitting in the faces of several activists and a journalist. Lika Zakashvili, the editor in chief of Georgian media outlet Publika, was physically prevented from recording the incident. Another journalist, Odisharia, was splashed with water during the protest and directed insults at.

Magda Mamukashvili and Tamuna Kirtava were among the activists who were targeted by Shukvani. Mamukashvili made a complaint about the incident at a nearby police station. Zakashvili, in response, filed a complaint with the Prosecutor General's Office regarding possible interference with her journalistic work.

Independent journalism in the region is under threat, with several protesters already convicted and sentenced to years in prison. This has led to the creation of a newsroom powered by readers, as a response to the current situation.

The Caucasus region is experiencing changes, and the situation in Georgia remains a significant point of interest for both local and international observers. As the local elections approach in October, with Kakha Kaladze seeking re-election, the tension in Tbilisi continues to escalate.

Youth leader of Georgian Dream party caught on camera spatting at demonstrators and a journalist, hurling offensive remarks