On May 9, an anonymous Facebook account named “Mikheil Mzetunakhavi” published a photo that gives the impression that writer Naira Gelashvili is criticizing journalist Guram Rogava. Specifically, on the social media card, which features the writer’s photo on one side and Rogava’s on the other, Gelashvili is quoted: “Three fingers hit your chin and you kicked up a fuss, said it hurt, your cheek turned red — whoever doesn’t understand, this is a moral catastrophe; it speaks of a destroyed sense of manhood.” The photo also features the Tabula logo in the top left corner, creating the impression that it was produced by this media outlet. The author of the post further references the journalist in the caption, writing, “Guraaam, Guram aaee boy Guram.”
“Mikheil Mzetunakhavi” is spreading a photofabrication, because the original social media card published by Tabula features the image of Irakli Dgebuadze next to Naira Gelashvili. In reality, the writer used the quoted text to criticize the head of Batumi police, not Guram Rogava.
On May 9, writer and publicist Naira Gelashvili spoke on the online media platform Mautskebeli’s podcast about ongoing political developments in Georgia. She also discussed the case of journalist Mzia Amaglobeil, who has been held in pretrial detention since January 11 on charges of slapping the head of Batumi police, Irakli Dgebuadze, and faces 4 to 7 years in prison. Gelashvili stated that Dgebuadze’s reaction is inconsistent with knightly or manly behavior and that he should not be complaining about being slapped by a weakened woman nor demanding her imprisonment for several years. This statement by the writer was covered by several media outlets, including Tabula, and it is clearly evident even at first glance that Gelashvili is addressing the head of Batumi police, not Guram Rogava.
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| Tabula’s authentic card | Photofabrication circulated on Facebook |
On November 29, Guram Rogava, a journalist from the TV station Formula, was struck on the head with a baton by a special forces officer while covering a protest on Rustaveli Avenue, suffering fractured cervical vertebrae and facial bones. He was later officially recognized as a victim by the Special Investigation Service. It is presumably because of this incident that “Mikheil Mzetunakhavi” is spreading a fabricated image targeting Guram Rogava. This anonymous account is known for criticizing the opposition, the ongoing protests against the ruling Georgian Dream party, and for posting sarcastic content aimed at belittling protest participants.
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