Media Development Foundation (MDF) condemns the fact of physical assault against Irakli Gedenidze, photo correspondent of the news agency "InterPressNews" and calls on the law enforcement agencies to react in an adequate manner in connection with the incident. In addition , MDF appeals to the organizers of the action "Give a slap" to separate themselves from the fact and condemn the violence.

According to the news agency "InterPressNews", the participant of the rally "Give a slap" physically abused Irakli Gedenidze, the photo correspondent of the agency and damaged his camera. The participant of the rally hit over his head during the rally held at the Republic Square, as a result he received multiple injuries. According to the agency, Irakli Gedenidze was covering the protest when one of the protesters went out from the car accused him of arranging a provocation, attacked and broke his camera.The protest organizers were three political forces: ‘’Reformers’’, ‘’Free Georgia’’ and ‘’Christian-Democratic Movement.’’

Obstructing the journalist’s activities while covering the rally, moreover violence against him is unacceptable. We call on the political parties and their activists to ensure proper environment for media representatives to fulfill their duties, and law enforcers to protect safety of journalists and prevent similar actions within the law.