The events, which happened in Tbilisi on July 5, 2021, the causes and motives of it must be assessed on the basis of a broad dialogue. The responsibility lies with all groups that have incited, supported and provoked violence, which severely undermines Georgia’s democracy, respect for human rights and freedoms, the rule of law, and significantly impedes the country’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Freedom of expression for any citizen, group or individual is a legally protected good. Restrictions on freedom of expression are also an integral part of it, which must serve a legitimate purpose.

Under the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, everyone has the right to freedom of expression. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, this right shall not be restricted except as provided by law and in the interests of national security or public safety in a democratic society, for the prevention of disorder or crime, or for the protection of health or morals or the rights of others. Therefore, it is important to find out how convincing and consistent efforts have been made by the state to prevent violence and why the escalation couldn’t have been stopped.

The organization condemns the crimes committed against the journalistic corps, which were of a comprehensive and purposeful nature. We have all seen the hate-motivated attacks on media representatives, regardless of their editorial policies and personal views, which have gone beyond forms of peaceful protest. Therefore, the MIA is obliged to hae a correct legal qualification in each case and to put the legal responsibility on violators. The organization is in solidarity with the journalistic corps whose activities have been disrupted.

We believe that the challenges facing Georgia, sensitive and identity-related topics, ideological and dogmatic issues, always require the basics of objective coverage and professional analysis, it shouldn’t be based on unequivocal views and disrespect for dissent. The government, the church, international partners, community groups, civil organizations, professional circles and the media must do everything possible to stand against the hate speech and establish institutional mechanisms in order to prevent such fluctuations in the country.