Car Blocked in Dispute: Armenian Drivers Assaulted in Georgia Speak Out

As we reported earlier, a dispute occurred this morning, July 10, between drivers transporting goods from Russia to Armenia and locals in Georgia.

The affected Armenian drivers alerted 'Alic Media,' stating that their vehicles were stopped on the road and hit with heavy objects both at the cars and toward the drivers. One of the affected drivers shared, “Before us, vehicles transporting wheat had passed, but we don’t know what happened with them; they were also attacked. Later, while we were passing with several trucks, they assaulted us again. It’s a road where vehicles move very slowly, meaning there shouldn't have been any issues. We don't know what this is all about. They blocked our cars, got out, smashed the windows, and left. It all happened so fast. I don’t know how this can continue; we travel back and forth in fear. If this issue is not resolved, it will turn into self-justice; they should stay away from us,”

while another driver noted that their vehicles bear Russian license plates, suggesting that the violence might stem from that. “We have been passing through this road for years, but nothing like this ever happened; they have been furious these days. Of course, we said we are Armenians, but they didn’t listen and attacked us.”

Later in the day, the Armenian Embassy in Georgia released a statement regarding the incident, indicating that unknown individuals had engaged in a dispute over domestic issues with two Armenian drivers transporting wheat near the Stepanavan (Lars) checkpoint on the Russia-Georgia border, and they assaulted them, damaging the trucks as well.

“One of the drivers suffered a broken hand and received first aid before being transported back to Armenia. His truck has already returned to Armenia. The other driver managed to drive his truck by himself after the incident and has also crossed the Armenian-Georgian border,” the embassy’s press service reported.

The Armenian Embassy in Georgia has contacted law enforcement authorities about the incident, who assured that the act will be legally evaluated and the perpetrators will be punished.