Georgia: Women Press Freedom Urges Authorities Treat Attack on Ia Sartania as Attack on Press Freedom
Sartania’s attack unfolds as mass anti-government demonstrations erupt in response to “foreign-agent” bill
Location: Georgia, TbilisiDate: April 22, 2024
Women Press Freedom stands with Ia Sartania and condemns the violent and homophobic assault she endured on the Tbilisi metro. The fact that Ia was targeted while carrying a bag that identified her affiliation with Formula TV suggests a premeditated disregard for her safety and freedom of speech. The response to this assault raises serious concerns about the protection and justice afforded to journalists in such situations. While we acknowledge the swift action taken by the authorities in removing the assailant from the scene, the decision to pursue only administrative charges is deeply troubling. It is imperative that such acts of violence are met with the full rigor of the law, reflecting the severity of the offense and its implications for press freedom. We call upon the Georgian government to take decisive action by investigating this incident thoroughly and ensuring that the perpetrator is held accountable under appropriate criminal charges. We also urge the government to strengthen measures that protect journalists, enabling them to perform their duties without fear of retribution or violence. This incident must serve as a wake-up call to reinforce the commitment to press freedom and the safety of journalists, who play an indispensable role in a functioning democracy.
"An aggressive person attacked me in the metro, using homophobic and violent language, and even hit me,” says Ia Sartania, a journalist for the opposition-aligned Formula TV, who was verbally and physically assaulted by a man on the Tbilisi metro on April 22. “It's important that I was carrying a bag with a Formula TV logo, which may have indicated who I was facing.”
During a broadcast on Formula, Sartania recounted the ordeal, detailing how the man tightened his grip on her shoulder, pulled her towards him, touched her hand, and insulted her. "His words were offensive, particularly about my tattoos, and I hesitate to repeat them," she stated. Sartania managed to alert the train driver and notify the authorities when the train stopped, leading to the man's immediate removal from the scene.
“The attacker is now arrested, but they are facing administrative charges. The court session is today. I have no hope for objective justice,” says Sartania.
The Special Investigation Service has stated that it does not have jurisdiction over the case as it pertains to a personal, not professional, assault. The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that it had initiated an administrative investigation following the incident, and the perpetrator has been brought before the courts. The Office of the Public Defender has begun an investigation following its communication with the journalist.
The Media Advocacy Coalition has called on the government to investigate the incident and hold the perpetrators accountable promptly. "Attacks on journalists have particularly increased in recent years, which is further exacerbated by the government's attempts to discredit critical media, and comments that portray the independent media community as enemies of the state,” their statement continues.
Sartania herself has also been disappointed by the lack of intervention from fellow passengers during the incident, with only an elderly gentleman attempting to help as they disembarked.
The attack on Sartania unfolded while mass anti-government demonstrations have erupted in response to the ruling Georgian Dream party's revival of proposals for a law that critics compare to Russian legislation designed to quash dissent. Similar large-scale protests last year, where police deployed tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators, compelled the party to abandon a comparable law in 2023. The latest protests have once again seen confrontations between police and demonstrators.
In anticipation of heightened media attention surrounding debates on the draft law, the parliament's press office restricted access for several journalists, including Mariam Nikuradze from OC Media.
The assault on Ia Sartania is a stark reminder of the dangers that journalists, especially women, face while performing their duties or even in public spaces. The attack, characterized by homophobic slurs, physical aggression, and targeted harassment due to her association with an opposition-aligned media outlet, underscores a growing and disturbing trend against press freedom and the safety of journalists. Women Press Freedom calls for a thorough and impartial investigation into this attack, treating it with the seriousness it deserves as a potential crime against press freedom. We urge the authorities to consider the implications of such assaults on the safety and security of journalists.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.