Two Charged Over Obstructing Publika Journalists Near Kaladze Campaign Office

2026-03-06 - 11:45

Two individuals, Levan Zardiashvili and Saba Mindiashvili, were charged with interference with journalistic work in connection with the September 8, 2025, attacks on reporters from the Publika online outlet outside Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze’s campaign office, Publika reported on March 5. The incident stems from September 8, 2025, tensions outside Kaladze’s campaign office in Tbilisi’s Melikishvili Avenue, which led to attacks from a group of what looked like ruling Georgian Dream party supporters, leaving several protesters and journalists injured. Among those attacked were Publika’s reporters, Aleksandre Keshelashvili and Keto Mikadze. The video from the scene showed a man – allegedly Zardiashvili – forcibly grabbing Mikadze and snatching her phone. Another video showed a different man snatching a phone from Keshelashvili. The device was later returned to the journalist. According to Publika, the Prosecutor’s Office charged Zardiashvili and Mindiashvili under Article 154 of the Criminal Code, covering unlawful interference with journalists’ professional activities, and punishable by fine, community service, corrective labor, or house arrest for a term of six months to two years. Neither of the two has been reportedly detained. Also Read: 03/03/2026 – Europe Press Freedom Report: Situation in Georgia Deteriorated at ‘Alarming Rate’ in 2025 04/02/2026 – HRW: Georgia’s Human Rights Record ‘Sharply Deteriorated’ in 2025 25/11/2025 – RSF: Press Freedom Violations in Georgia Reach ‘Unprecedented’ Levels, 600 Attacks in One Year 01/10/2025 – Report: Journalists in Georgia Faced 434 Incidents of Abuse in Past Year