Tg: Kotsnews

Tbilisi: Journalists Attacked By Protesters. We Were Threatened, Surrounded, Pushed, & Followed—A Personal Account. By Patrick Lancaster In Tbilisi, Georgia, tensions remain high as protests in front of the Parliament building continue into their eleventh day. The scene is a volatile mix of political dissent, police presence, and public outcry. Amid this turmoil, journalists attempting to document the unfolding events are increasingly becoming targets of hostility from protesters. SUPPORT MY WORK VIA https://buymeacoffee.com/plnewstoday SUSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK https://patricklancasternewstoday.substack.com/ An Unsettling Encounter Just after midnight December 9th, I was on the ground outside the Georgian Parliament, reporting live on the protests when tensions escalated unexpectedly. As an independent journalist, my goal has always been to document events without bias or personal opinion, ensuring viewers see unfiltered truths. Yet, this commitment to neutrality did not shield me from confrontation. A group of protesters singled me out, accusing me of being a propagandist. The atmosphere quickly turned tense as they surrounded me and my colleague, an Italian journalist named Andrea Lucidi (https://t.me/Andrea_lucidi) . What began as verbal accusations escalated to physical intimidation, with individuals following us closely and occasionally grabbing at my coat. While no significant harm was done, the experience underscored the fragile state of press freedom in emotionally charged environments. The Role of Social Media and Misinformation In the days leading up to this incident, photos and information about my presence in Tbilisi had been circulated online. This dissemination, likely orchestrated by certain opposition groups, seemed aimed at discrediting my work and painting me as aligned with particular political interests. It was alarming to witness how quickly narratives can be weaponized, further polarizing an already fractured situation. Andrea, who also faced harassment, expressed his disbelief at the hostility. “It seems there’s an organized effort to create a dossier about us and our work, labeling us as Russian propagandists. This isn’t just about us—it’s about limiting press freedom,” he stated. Freedom of Speech Under Threat Georgia is a country that prides itself on its drive for democratic values, yet the events of that evening raise pressing questions about the state of freedom of speech. Journalists must be able to operate without fear of reprisal, irrespective of their backgrounds or previous assignments. The accusations hurled at me and Andrea were baseless—our work focuses solely on presenting facts, not shaping narratives. This incident also highlights the challenges faced by independent journalists who cover stories often ignored by mainstream media. By documenting perspectives outside the dominant discourse, we inadvertently draw both appreciation and ire. This duality is the reality of pursuing truthful journalism in contentious settings. A Call for Understanding Georgia is a nation rich in history and culture, with a vibrant and resilient population. My previous visits to the country have been marked by positive interactions with both locals and authorities. However, this experience at the protests serves as a reminder of the tensions simmering beneath the surface. As journalists, our role is not to provoke but to inform. I firmly believe that freedom of speech and press freedom are cornerstones of any democratic society. When these rights are threatened, it is not just journalists who suffer, but the society as a whole. Looking Ahead This report, and others like it, aim to shed light on the complexities of this protest movement and political situation, the challenges of press freedom in Georgia. Despite the hostility I encountered, my commitment to unbiased reporting remains steadfast and I will make several my reports from Tbilisi. To my viewers and supporters: your encouragement and c...

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