Georgia's Public TV Operator Blinded After Being Beaten by Extremists on July 5

Ilia Tvalishvili, a camera operator for Georgia's public television, has lost the sight in both eyes following an attack by an extremist homophobic group in Tbilisi on July 5. This was reported by Aliq Media.

In an interview with a local television channel, Tvalishvili stated that he has completely lost vision in one eye and is uncertain when he will be able to return to work. He recounted that while filming a report, he was ambushed from different directions, recalling how he was knocked to the ground and beaten with feet and hands. He also sustained numerous blows to the head. During one of the assaults, he lost consciousness and cannot comprehend how someone could brutally beat a complete stranger who has done them no harm.

Today, a second individual has been detained in connection with the attack on the public television operator. A total of 21 individuals have been detained for the assault on reporters. They are facing charges under three articles of the Georgian Criminal Code: Illegal interference with journalists' professional activities by threat of violence (punishable by fine or imprisonment for up to two years), persecution accompanied by violence (punishable by fine or imprisonment for up to three years), and participation in group violence (punishable by imprisonment for four to six years).