Estonian Ambassador: Attack on Free Media is an Assault on Democracy, Accountability is Essential

Estonian Ambassador to Georgia, Marge Mardisalu-Kahari, has publicly condemned the recent attack on journalists from TV Pirveli, emphasizing that such acts are a direct assault on the foundations of democracy. Her statement comes after members of the diplomatic corps visited the Ingorokva Clinic to express support for the injured journalists.

Writing on the social platform X, Ambassador Mardisalu-Kahar underscored the importance of holding those responsible accountable.

“The spontaneous visit of the ambassadors of Germany, the USA, the UK, Denmark, Latvia, Sweden, Lithuania, and Estonia was to show support for two TV Pirveli journalists hospitalized after severe beatings. An attack on free media is an attack on the foundations of democracy. Those responsible must be punished,” she stated.

The incident has drawn widespread criticism from international observers, underlining the role of a free press as a cornerstone of democratic governance. The diplomatic community’s visit highlights the severity of the attack and the pressing need for justice to ensure the safety of journalists and uphold democratic principles in Georgia.