Georgian TV Anchor Accuses Police Officer of Physical and Verbal Abuse

BORJOMI, Georgia - Journalist Giorgi Gasviani, of Iberia TV, has accused a Borjomi police officer and two companions of physical and verbal abuse.

The journalist alledges the incident took place in Borjomi, in south-central Georgia, when his car slid off an icy road.

Gasviani says the Borjomi Central Department policeman Zaza Khutsishvili witnessed the accident with two other persons, dressed in civilian clothes.

“Three people got out of the car and came up to me. They were drunk. They physically and verbally abused me and threatened me with a gun. One of them told me he was a police officer and said he would catch me if I disclosed the incident,” the journalist claimed.

The incident took place near Borjomi Crown Plaza Hotel, as the TV host was on his way to the Human Rights Seminar.

Gasviani contacted the Borjomi police department and submitted himself for examination by local hospital doctors.

The Inspector General of Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched an investigation into the case under Article 126 of Georgia’s Criminal Code.

Georgia’s Interior Minister, Giorgi Mghebrishvili, has addressed the issue, saying that if the police confirm the allegation, all guilty parties will be held responsible.

“If Giorgi Gasviani’s allegation is proven true, I promise you that the police officer will be strictly punished,” the Interior Minister’s statement read.

By Thea Morrison