US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan responds to the confrontation between Georgian Dream member Anri Okhanashvili and Vato Tsereteli, the founder of TV Pirveli.

According to Degnan, violence is unacceptable, particularly when there’s been a pattern of attacks against media representatives.

" We’re looking into the reports. We’re not aware that any formal legal process has started yet, but certainly, violence is unacceptable, particularly when there’s been a pattern of attacks against media representatives. We’re also concerned about the reports of violence in the regions against political representatives regarding the right of freedom of assembly, freedom of expression. We’re seeing violence being brought in to infringe, suppress, deny people their constitutional rights under Georgia’s constitution. It’s very concerning. It’s also disappointing. We had a terrific event last night to celebrate America’s Independence Day, and it was a very positive event, bringing together Georgians, emphasizing how much Georgia can do when Georgians work together, unified for the European future of this country. So, we’re a little disappointed that these reports overshadowed what was otherwise a very positive and happy celebration of America’s Independence Day," Degnan stated.

For information, the founder of TV Pirveli Vato Tsereteli states that Georgia­­n Dream MPs attacked and physically assaulted him on the territory of the US Embassy. According to Vato Tsereteli, he was physically assaulted by Anri Okhanashvili, while other deputies of Georgia­n Dream also participated in the incident.

Anri Okhanashvili, a member of Georgia­­n Dream, states that Vato Tsereteli made a "dirty provocation" and "was responded to as he deserved".