In Tbilisi Georgian security forces have used violence against journalists who were covering anti-government protests that have started on May 21. According the source of Reporters Without Borders, the police attacked or detained at least a dozen journalists.

Thousands of people have been demonstrating every day in Georgia to demand President Saakashvili's departure. On May 26, shortly after midnight, interior ministry police used force to disperse the opposition demonstration taking place on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi after warning the protesters they would have to vacate the street for celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of Georgia's independence.

The police fired tear-gas and rubber bullets and used batons to disperse the protesters. Journalists were verbally and physically attacked in the ensuing melee. Cameras and video cameras were seized or destroyed. And some reporters were arrested without justification.

Reporters Without Borders is convinced that many of these abuses were deliberate. The police were well aware that the journalists were there as reporters. Several journalists were beaten although they were clearly identified. The police ripped press badges and armbands off some reporters.

"Journalists are increasingly becoming hostages of the political tension in Georgia. Although the press freedom situation is much better than in neighbouring Armenia or Azerbaijan, journalists are routinely the target of physical and verbal attacks," Reporters Without Borders said.

Georgia is ranked 100th out of 178 countries in the organization's press freedom index.

Photo: Reuters