The officers of Tbilisi Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as a result of operative-investigative activities detained five persons: O.G. (DoB 1993), Ts.Ch. (DoB 1991), B.M. (DoB 1987), M.D. (DoB 1990), and T.G. (DoB 1997) for unlawful interference with the journalist’s professional activities under the threats of violence, persecution under violence or threats of violence.

Police detained three people as a result of operative-search activities held within the frames of the ongoing investigation on the fact of damaging “Tbilisi Pride” office. The detainees are: G.E. (DoB 1992), previously convicted A.A. (DoB 1998) and G.O. (DoB 1992) who were detained for participation in violence committed in group, persecution under violence or threat of violence and violation of inviolability of domicile or of any other property.

The investigation established that on the same day, on July 5 of the current year, during the rally against “Tbilisi Pride” on Rustaveli Avenue - B.M., M.D. and T.G. verbally and physically assaulted the cameraman of “TV Pirveli” TV company and photographer of “Interpressnews” at the crossing of Tabukashvili and Chanturia streets while performing their professional duties.

The investigation is in progress under Article 154, Part II, Article 156, Part II, sup-paragraph “A” and Article 225, Part II envisaged by the Criminal Code of Georgia.

In the course of investigation the law enforcers also established that G.E., A.A. and G.O. illegally entered the balcony of the “Tbilisi Pride” office on July 5, against the will of the owners which was followed by violence, raid and damage/destruction of other’s property. Their illegal actions were caused by the persecution of people, particularly members of the sexual minority. The investigation against detainees is in progress under Article 225, Part II, Article 156, Part II, sub-paragraph “A” and Article 160, Part III, sub-paragraph “A” of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which stipulates participation in violence committed in group, persecution under violence or threat of violence and violation of inviolability of domicile or of any other property.

The committed crime envisages from 2 to 6 years of imprisonment.

Investigative and procedural measures are in progress to identify and arrest others involved in the crime.

At this moment, a total of 15 people have been arrested by law enforcement officers as part of the ongoing investigation on the fact of the assault, persecution, group violence, threat and violation of inviolability of domicile or of any other property. Intensive investigative and search activities are in progress.