Court releases protester against gay parade in Tbilisi on bail

Ushangi Datunashvili, 66, accused of attacking a "Rustavi-2" cameraman at a protest action against a gay parade in July last year, has been appointed a bail of 3000 laris. His advocate stated poor health condition of his client.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on July 5, 2021, during the disorders at protests against the gay parade in Tbilisi, according to journalists' estimates, 53 media professionals were beaten up. Several people were detained, including the above Ushangi Datunashvili, suspected of attacking a "Rustavi-2" cameraman. He did not admit his guilt.

The journalistic community has declared the inefficiency of the investigation and demanded the resignation of the government. Large-scale protests were held in Tbilisi and other cities of the country. On July 20, journalists demanded to punish perpetrators and dismiss the prime minister.

On February 8, 2022, a court in Tbilisi released Ushangi Datunashvili on bail of 3000 laris (just over USD 1000), the "Georgia-Online" reports. The 66-year-old man is charged with unlawful interference in a journalist's professional activities, persecution, organization and participation in group violence.

His advocate has referred to Datunashvili's grave state of health, he "News-Georgia" writes.

In total, 31 people were detained under the case of riots against the gay parade, including 27 – for attacking journalists. More than 50 media professionals suffered in the disorders.