On May 12, 2025, two independent journalists from Pirveli TV were violently attacked while on assignment in the village of Martkopi near Tbilisi. Mariam Makasarashvili, the reporter, and cameraman Nukri Kapiashvili were left with serious injuries after the incident, which has sparked outrage among rights groups and media organizations.
A Violent Encounter in Martkopi
The attack occurred when Makasarashvili and Kapiashvili visited the home of Giorgi Shindjikashvili, the deputy governor of the Kvemo Kartli region, to inquire about his recent resignation. Shindjikashvili, who has been embroiled in a long-standing dispute with Zviad Kharazishvili, a controversial special forces chief, was not home at the time. Instead, it was his father who allegedly launched a physical assault on the journalists.
Makasarashvili suffered a concussion and facial injuries, while Kapiashvili was hospitalized with a head hematoma. According to Makasarashvili, the situation escalated rapidly after a cordial request to interview Shindjikashvili’s father. What began as a routine interaction turned violent when the elder Shindjikashvili grabbed their camera equipment and smashed the lights. As Makasarashvili tried to record the incident with her phone, she was punched repeatedly in the face and head. The attack left the crew shaken, with Kapiashvili requiring medical attention shortly after the assault.
A Long-Standing Political Feud
The attack on the Pirveli TV crew comes against the backdrop of political tensions in the region. Giorgi Shindjikashvili’s resignation as deputy governor had been drawing media attention due to his well-known conflict with Kharazishvili, the special forces chief.
In January of this year, the dispute between Shindjikashvili and Kharazishvili escalated to violence when a shootout reportedly occurred at a gym in Tbilisi. The confrontation, allegedly involving the entourages of both men, left one individual from Shindjikashvili’s circle seriously injured.
Though details surrounding the source of the animosity between the two remain unclear, the growing media interest in the feud has only amplified the risks for journalists covering the story. The May 12 attack is seen by many as an attempt to intimidate the press and suppress coverage of sensitive political issues.
Press Freedom Under Attack
This assault on Pirveli TV journalists has sparked condemnation from both local and international rights groups. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has called for immediate action, holding Georgian authorities accountable for the safety of journalists in the country. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about press freedom in Georgia, where journalists are frequently subjected to physical threats, harassment, and attacks while reporting on politically sensitive issues.
Rights organizations are particularly alarmed by the involvement of a prominent political figure’s family member in the attack. In a statement, RSF emphasized the importance of independent journalism in ensuring transparency and holding powerful figures to account. They also called on Georgian authorities to take swift action in investigating the assault and ensuring justice for the injured journalists.
In a recent press release, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) highlighted the troubling trend of rising violence against reporters in Georgia. The CPJ called for an end to impunity for such attacks and urged Georgian law enforcement to make a public commitment to ensuring the safety of journalists covering politically sensitive topics.
Authorities Under Fire
The assault has prompted widespread calls for accountability from Georgian authorities. Human rights advocates argue that the government must not only address the immediate attack on the Pirveli TV crew but also take broader steps to safeguard the press from political violence and intimidation.
Critics have pointed out that the failure to effectively address such incidents could further erode public trust in the Georgian justice system. Several journalists and media organizations have rallied behind Makasarashvili and Kapiashvili, demanding swift action to ensure their attackers are brought to justice.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the assault. However, the ongoing investigation is expected to bring more clarity to the circumstances surrounding the attack and the individuals involved.
Despite the violent incident, the media in Georgia remains resilient, continuing to cover the stories that matter to the public. Still, the attack raises serious questions about the safety of journalists and the state’s ability to protect press freedom.
The Global Reaction
The international community has rallied behind Georgia’s independent journalists. Media organizations from around the world have expressed solidarity with Pirveli TV and called for an end to the violence targeting reporters. From Europe to the United States, there have been numerous statements condemning the attack and urging the Georgian government to ensure that journalists can report without fear of retaliation.
As the story continues to unfold, many are left wondering how Georgia’s leaders will respond to the growing calls for justice. The world is watching, and the actions of the Georgian authorities in the coming days will likely have significant implications for the country’s commitment to press freedom and the safety of its journalists.
