Mixed martial arts fighter Ibragim Islamov, known by the nickname "Nikarkho," sustained a gunshot wound from a non-lethal (traumatic) pistol during an altercation in the center of Vladikavkaz. Two people were injured in the incident, both of whom were hospitalized. The North Ossetia branch of the Russian Interior Ministry has opened a criminal case, and one of the individuals involved has been detained.
In the past year, 45 cases of violence, harassment and attempts to intimidate media representatives were recorded in Georgia. This was reported by the human rights organization Transparency International – Georgia.
Currently, 13 criminal cases are being investigated in the country for illegally obstructing a journalist in his professional activities. Most often we are talking about attacks on media representatives, threats and intimidation, violence against journalists during protests, their arrests and fines.
“As Georgia strives for European integration and ahead of important parliamentary elections in 2024, it is critical that the ruling party ensures a fear-free and safe media environment. One of the prerequisites for this is the timely investigation of crimes committed against journalists and an end to impunity for criminals,” the human rights activists said in a statement.