Police Probe ‘Violence’ After Journalist Gela Mtivlishvili Reports Attack From HPP Advocate
The Georgian Interior Ministry said it is investigating “violence” after Gela Mtivlishvili, a journalist and founder of Mtis Ambebi outlet, said that Giorgi Margebadze, head of Small and Medium HPP Association, attacked him after going off air at Formula TV, where both took part in a talk show.
“As soon as I went off air, a [hydropower plant] lobbyist, Georgian Dream thug-like element Margebadze attacked me,” Mtivlishvili wrote on Facebook on May 9. “My face is injured. I went to the police. He will be held accountable!”
The alleged incident followed the Ghia Sivrtse [Open Space] program on the opposition-leaning Formula TV, which focused on the construction of hydropower plants in Georgia. Mtivlishvili and Margebadze, alongside environmental expert Davit Chipashvili, took part in the program and engaged in heated arguments.
Margebadze said in response that he was provoked and rejected the ruling Georgian Dream party affiliation. “The air ended. You provoked me. I swore at both of you. You moved to hit. I hit first,” he wrote on Facebook, adding: “HPPs? Yes. As many HPPs as possible for the success of our country!!!” Margebadze also told Mtivlishvili to put a political party label “on [his] provocateur mother.”
The Interior Ministry told several Georgian outlets that the incident is being investigated under Article 126 of the Georgian Criminal Code, covering violence.
Also Read:
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- 06/03/2026 – Two Charged Over Obstructing Publika Journalists Near Kaladze Campaign Office
- 16/03/2025 – Media Advocacy Coalition Condemns Attack on Journalist Gela Mtivlishvili