On 11 July, representatives of various Georgian media organisations gathered in front of the building of the government administration to pay tribute to TV Pirveli cameraman Lekso Lashkarava, who was severely beaten on 5 July by a group of Tbilisi Pride counter rally protesters (Caucasus Watch reported) and later died. 

Following the tragic event, 19 NGOs demanded the immediate resignation of Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia Vakhtang Gomelauri. The statement also said that the government didn’t “take measures to stop the violent groups” and on the contrary, encouraged the violence with the statement of the PM that “holding the Tbilisi pride march was unreasonable.” The rallies were also attended by the opposition United National Movement leader Nika Melia, “Droa” political movement founder  Elene Khoshtaria and Lelo leader Mamuka Khazaradze. A clash occurred between the police and the protesters in front of the office of the ruling Georgian Dream party. 

Foreign embassies in Georgia and international organisations sent their condolences over Lashkarava’s passing. “The arrest of several individuals in connection with the attack on Lekso is a positive first step toward justice. The safety of every Georgian journalist and the credibility of democracy in Georgia require that every individual who attacked peaceful citizens and journalists on 5 and 6 July, or who incited violence, must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We call for calm and an end to the violence that has already caused one tragic loss of life,” read the statement of the US embassy in Georgia.  “Mr. Lekso Lashkarava was severely beaten as he was covering the violence that took place in Tbilisi around the Pride events on 5 July. While still awaiting the results of the investigation into the cause of his death, let me reiterate the EU’s strong condemnation of all violence and our staunch and unwavering support to the freedom of media and assembly,” stated the EU ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell. 

A group of EU parliamentarians led by Andrius Kubilius also released a statement, saying that Georgia is at a very serious crossroads which will define its success or failure for the next few decades. “The death of Mr. Lashkarava and the staggering inaction of police in face of the violent attacks need to be fully and impartially investigated. We call on all members of society to demonstrate calm and restraint, not to fall for provocations. All political powers in Georgia, especially the ruling party, should work towards ensuring that the European values are respected. Values of freedom of media and freedom of expression are European values and must be upheld and protected,” the statement of the EU parliamentarians stressed.

Georgia’s President Salome Zourabichvili visited the family of the deceased Lashkarava to give her condolences. “I didn’t know what to say to the mother in this terrible situation. I visited him in the hospital and never thought that I would come here later to share this tragedy. I’m sure it shouldn’t stay that way. The perpetrators must be punished. I’m not the police, but I’m sure it’s necessary. I share this tragedy with the family, journalists and the whole society,” Zourabichvili said. “This is completely unacceptable for me! This is not the Georgia that I know, this is not Georgian traditions, nor religion, nor the future that we want for this country,” she added.

Garibashvili also sent his condolences to the family of the deceased cameramen. “This is an unimaginable tragedy. I express my support to the family and relatives as well as TV Pirveli staff and the whole media community. I want to tell the population that the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) is actively working; they promptly conducted the relevant job yesterday. As the expert examination has been appointed, an independent expert will study the case upon the request of the family and television. No questions will stay unanswered in the shortest possible time,” he stated. He also deemed it “immoral” for opposition forces to use Lashkarava’s passing as a motive for achieving political goals. “I would assess the recent days’ developments. Of course, this is another failed conspiracy against the state. The plot planned by the anti-state and anti-church forces failed and will never succeed in our country. We saw them trying to use this tragedy to achieve their political goals,” he added.

The Georgian right-wing businessman Levan Vasadze blamed the US ambassador to the country Kelly Degnan for Lashkarava’s death. He said that the 5 July events happened because Degnan, “who despite the church’s calls did not remain silent and called on the government to carry out this provocation.” He sent his condolences to Lashkarava’s and said that it was necessary to find out why he died, stating that he “didn’t seem on the verge of death.”