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Opponents of the march shout as they block off the capital's main avenue to an LGBT march in Tbilisi, Georgia, Shakh Aivazov via PA

TV cameraman dies following beating from far-right gang in Georgia

He was assaulted by a violent mob of anti-LGBTQ protesters on Monday.

A GEORGIAN TV cameraman has died after being badly beaten by far-right assailants during a protest against an LGBTQ Pride march, his station said today, as pressure mounted on authorities over attacks on journalists.

Alexander Lashkarava, a 37-year-old cameraman working for independent TV station Pirveli, was found dead in his bed in the early hours of this morning, the channel reported.

On Monday, he was assaulted by a violent mob of anti-LGBTQ protesters and sustained fractures to his facial bones.

More than 50 journalists were attacked that day by anti-LGBTQ groups protesting the planned Pride march, which was cancelled over safety fears.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned the attacks, saying journalists “sustained injuries that included concussion, chemical burns and broken arms.”

It accused authorities of “culpable passivity” and said police had failed to protect journalists.

Georgia’s interior ministry said in a brief statement today that an investigation had been opened into Lashkarava’s death.

Rights activists announced a protest rally later today to demand Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili’s resignation following the death.

Prominent Georgian TV personalities and managers have accused Garibashvili’s government of orchestrating a violent campaign against journalists.

“The government not only encourages violence against journalists, it is part of the violence,” Nodar Meladze, TV Pirveli’s news editor, told AFP.

“The government has set up violent groups to attack independent media,” he said adding that “riot police have also repeatedly targeted journalists.”

In June 2019, riot police injured some 40 journalists covering an anti-government protest.

Garibashvili has faced strong criticism from the opposition and rights activists after he spoke out against holding the Pride march, describing it as “unacceptable for a large segment of Georgian society.”

Critics have accused the ruling Georgian Dream of tacitly supporting homophobic and nationalist groups, who have also staged protests against pro-Western opposition parties.

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    Mute Gert McNulty
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    Jun 30th 2022, 3:26 PM

    But workers shouldnt ask for a pay rise?? Politicians really disdain the public

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    Mute Theresa Corrigan
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    Jun 30th 2022, 4:08 PM

    Big fella defending Ukraine among the EU leaders (which I agree with by the way. !! ) But at the same time… walking all over the Good Friday Agreement and the Irish people. Just for a few Unionist votes. Couldnt lie straight in Bed. !!

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    Mute Steve O'Hara-Smith
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    Jun 30th 2022, 7:54 PM

    @Theresa Corrigan: There’s money in it for his friends, there is nothing for them in NI.

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    Mute Cormac McCann
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    Jun 30th 2022, 3:29 PM

    So much money Boris. Reality is, you won’t have a pot to piss in shortly.

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    Mute David Van-Standen
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    Jun 30th 2022, 4:21 PM

    This headline should say, Boris Johnson pledges to give a further £55 billion of taxpayers money to weapons manufacturing corporations, using the ridiculous premise of Russian threat as an excuse..

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    Mute Fergus Murphy
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    Jun 30th 2022, 4:18 PM

    Sure all the money they are saving after leaving the EU will cover it with change left over to fund the NHS

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    Mute Irish Opinion
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    Jun 30th 2022, 4:04 PM

    Russian threat? I doubt Russia is going to attack the UK anytime soon. I’m sure he meant the Russian threat to foreign countries far away.

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    Mute Vonvonic
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    Jun 30th 2022, 3:38 PM

    Look at Ellwood’s profile pic. I’d say that man is always ready for action. Do people really buy this crap? All I see is a phoney.

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    Mute Philip Duffy
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    Jun 30th 2022, 8:49 PM

    And children going without food in the great U.K.

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    Mute Darren
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    Jun 30th 2022, 6:01 PM

    What’s the point in spending all that, any war with Russia will probably end up nuclear so that 55billion would be pointless, not like you can defend against them

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    Mute Ronan Lawler
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    Jun 30th 2022, 7:45 PM

    Blaa Blaa Blaa, zzzzz

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