We, the undersigned organizations, express our utmost concern and sorrow over the passing of Lekso Lashkarava, the operator of „TV Pirveli”. We would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

Lekso Lashkarava was one of more than 50 media professionals targeted [1] by hate groups during the large-scale and violent protests on July 5. During the demonstrations against the “March for Dignity”, violent and aggressive groups deliberately singled out and attacked media representatives, inflicting physical injuries and engaging in verbal abuse, as well as deliberately smashing equipment to interfere with journalistic activities. These groups physically assaulted Lekso Lashkarava [2] during the raid on the office of the civil movement "Shame". According to the journalist who was along with the cameraman during the incident, Lekso Lashkarava was lying in a pool of blood and 20 people were mercilessly beating [2] him for 5 minutes.

The authorities have not taken measures to stop the violent groups despite being aware in advance of the risk of aggression and violence on their part. On July 5, an insufficient number of law enforcement representatives were mobilized on the spot, and actions taken by the police were not sufficient to put an end to the violence. The authorities did not ensure the protection of public safety, health, and life - on the contrary, they encouraged the violence. In particular, the Prime Minister, Irakli Gharibashvili, stated [3] on July 5 that holding the "March for Dignity" was inappropriate and called on the organizers of the "March for Dignity" not to march on Rustaveli Avenue, instead of blaming the members of the counter-rally for the possible escalation of the situation. The US ambassador [4] to Georgia also stated that they did not see the Prime Minister playing a leading role in defusing the situation and putting an end to the violence.

Following the large-scale violence of July 5, which resulted in dozens of injuries to journalists and civilians and the death of the operator of “TV Pirveli” after sustaining serious injuries, all organizers, participants and perpetrators of violence, regardless of their secular or religious status should be brought to justice.

The political responsibility for the severe consequences lies with the government, which has in fact refused to perform its function to protect human health and life. Therefore, the undersigned organizations request at least:

• Immediate resignation of the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili and the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia Vakhtang Gomelauri;
• Bringing all organizers, participants, and instigators of violence, regardless of their status, to justice.

Georgian Democracy Initiative (GDI)

Governance Monitoring Center (GMC)

Sapari

Society and Banks

Media Development Fund (MDF)

Georgia’s Reforms Associates (GRASS)

The Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI)

Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC)

Human Rights Center (HRC)

Social Justice Center

Atlantic Council of Georgia

Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA)

Transparency International Georgia (TI Georgia)

International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED)

Center for Research Journalism and Economic Analytics

UN Association of Georgia (UNAG)

Green Alternative

Tbilisi Pride

Democracy Research Institute (DRI)

The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics

Center EMPATHY

Free Russia Foundation in South

Europe Foundation

Open Society Georgia Foundation

Rondeli Foundation