The Ministry of Internal Affairs is not returning the equipment confiscated from journalists and operators representing various media outlets during the coverage of protests in Tbilisi. Media organizations currently awaiting the return of their equipment include the online publication “Publika,” the investigative studio “Monitor,” and “TV Pirveli.”
During the protests, members of the special forces seized two cameras with lenses and one mobile phone from “Publika” journalists. These incidents occurred on November 29 and 30. On November 29, a special forces officer confiscated a camera from photographer Aleksandre Keshelashvili during his arrest. On November 30, another special forces officer took a mobile phone from journalist Ana Mskhaladze as she was filming the protest. According to the outlet’s editor, Zura Vardiashvili, they contacted the ministry’s press service but do not expect the equipment to be returned.
On December 3, while covering another protest, journalist Nino Ramishvili from “Studio Monitor” had her phone confiscated. At the time, she was filming the detention of a protester. The outlet contacted emergency service 112, and the journalist later confirmed that her phone was inside the Ministry of Internal Affairs building. However, she has yet to have her phone returned.
On December 7, during an attack on “TV Pirveli’s” film crew, which included Maka Chikhladze and Giorgi Shetsiruli, the station reported that broadcasting equipment was stolen. According to TV Pirveli’s head of news, Nodar Meladze, the stolen items included an investigative journalists’ office camera, a Ronin video stabilizer, a spare camera lens, and a microphone with its receiver. The attackers were described as unidentified individuals known as “titushki” (informally referring to hired provocateurs).