Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has detained two people in connection with violence and threats against Adjara Television employee Koba Partenadze in Batumi.
Ministry says officers from the Batumi City Division of the Adjara Police Department detained the two individuals following an investigation into the incidents.
The investigation found that on August 9, one of the detainees physically assaulted Partenadze during an argument in Batumi. Shortly afterward, the second detainee allegedly threatened to stab him with a knife.
“As a result of investigative actions, law enforcement officers detained both men as defendants,” the ministry said.
The investigation is underway under Articles 126 and 151 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which concern violence and threats, respectively.
The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics earlier called on the Interior Ministry to urgently investigate repeated attacks and threats against Partenadze and ensure his safety.
Charter stated that Partenadze said he had repeatedly been subjected to threats, verbal abuse and physical attacks in Batumi. He also published a video on social media showing young men using homophobic language and threatening him.
Related story: Journalist Koba Partenadze reports repeated attacks and threats
