Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls for “a thorough and transparent investigation” into an alleged plot to murder Georgian TV anchor Giorgi Gabunia “using a suspected Russian hitman”.

In a statement the watchdog appealed to Georgian authorities to place Gabunia under protection.

RSF cited a Georgian media outlet claiming that a Russian national of Ingush decent, arrested on June 12, was sent by Ramzan Kadyrov, who “rules Ingushetia’s neighbor, the autonomous Chechen Republic, with an iron hand”.

The organization noted that Gabunia hired bodyguards after being intimidated by Kadyrov last year.

“A loyal ally of President Putin, Kadyrov often threatens journalists and tries to silence critics, even those abroad,” stressed RSF.