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Documentary Series

David Pipia

Photographer

David Pipia

Towards a better future

Since November 28, 2024, mass protests have been taking place in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets for more than 100 days, demanding that the country return to its European trajectory. The protests began after Georgia's Prime Minister announced the suspension of EU membership negotiations, despite the country being a candidate for EU accession.

For the first week, police forces violently dispersed the demonstrators every night, using water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray. Over 500 protesters were arrested, with more than 300 suffering severe beatings during their detentions. Many required hospitalization. The Public Defender of Georgia condemned the treatment of the demonstrators, likening it to torture.

Around 50 individuals are currently facing criminal charges, and they have been held in custody for over a month. These protesters, who have been labeled "prisoners of the regime," continue to demand their release.

David Pipia

Born in 1977 in Zugdidi. Graduated from secondary school No. 5 in his hometown of Zugdidi. Ilia Vekua University of Applied Sciences, Sukhumi Branch. Faculty of Economics. Georgian Television and Radio Corporation Institute. Faculty of Directing. Presently, he works as a video editor and press photographer at JAMnews, www.jam-news.net, an independent cross-Caucasus media outlet. Previously, David worked in organizations such as Studio Re, Tbilisi-based Rustavi 2 TV, and regional broadcasters Atinat and Odishi, where his duties included filming, editing, and editing documentaries and reports.