Two arrested for assault and threats against Adjara TV journalist

Georgia’s Interior Ministry has arrested two individuals following an assault and threats against Adjara TV journalist Koba Partenadze in Batumi. The incident, which occurred on August 9, involved one individual physically assaulting Partenadze during an altercation and another allegedly threatening to stab him with a knife.

Partenadze previously shared video footage on social media showing unidentified individuals using homophobic slurs and targeting his appearance. The journalist stated that he faces frequent verbal and physical abuse, noting that he has been subjected to similar incidents of discrimination and violence in the past, including an assault at Radio Adjara in 2023.

The Charter of Journalistic Ethics has called on the Interior Ministry to conduct an urgent investigation to ensure the journalist’s safety, citing that such attacks hinder professional work. The ongoing investigation is being conducted under Georgia’s Criminal Code regarding violence and threats, which carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.