Author: marika_dudunia

Parallel to the pro-European protests in Georgia that began in the fall of 2024, the crisis at the Public Broadcaster’s First Channel has intensified. The broadcaster’s leadership responded to this crisis by implementing a repressive policy. The channel continued its biased, non-objective editorial line in favor of the Georgian Dream party – a trend highlighted in numerous studies – while simultaneously launching punitive measures against employees who exposed the management’s misconduct and the ruling party’s repressive tactics.

As a result, according to publicly available information, 41 incidents have been recorded initiated by the First Channel’s management from the spring of 2025 to the present. These incidents affected 29 employees of the Public Broadcaster. Some of them became targets of both sanctions and dismissals. (See Appendix #1 for the list of these employees).

Publicly reported incidents:

• 6 cases of dismissal from work;
• 11 cases of imposing disciplinary sanctions;
• 13 cases where employees refused management’s offer to transfer to other programs after their own shows were canceled, subsequently leaving the channel;
• 7 cases of employees resigning voluntarily in protest;
• 2 programs canceled;
• 2 segments canceled.

In addition to the incidents listed above, 4 incidents were recorded concerning the activities and members of the Broadcaster’s Board of Trustees.

Escalation of the Crisis

On November 28, 2024, the Georgian Dream Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, announced its party’s decision to suspend the country’s EU accession negotiations until 2028. Large-scale protests broke out in Tbilisi that same evening. According to publicly available information, 40 media representatives were obstructed in their work on November 28 alone. Police forces treated journalists, photographers, and camera operators with brutality.

The Public Broadcaster failed to provide comprehensive coverage of the ongoing events in the country. Consequently, a continuous protest began outside the television building on November 30. Concurrently, a part of the Public Broadcaster’s staff began to openly criticize the channel’s editorial policy. They founded an initiative group called “Guardians of the Public Broadcaster” and began a fight for the “recovery of the channel.”

On December 3 2024, a joint statement by more than 80 employees of the Public Broadcaster was released. The journalists condemned the violence against their colleagues and demanded that the broadcaster’s airtime be dedicated to voicing public opinion and hosting public discussions. “Unfortunately, the Public Broadcaster has long failed to fulfill its legally mandated obligations and does not reflect events in an in-depth and impartial manner,” the statement read.

On December 23, ten local organizations published a statement claiming that the Public Broadcaster was violating the Law on Broadcasting by failing to abide by its legal duties, including the promotion of Georgia’s integration into the European Union. The organizations demanded the resignations of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Vasil Maglaperidze, and the channel’s General Director, Tinatin Berdzenishvili.

In parallel, daily citizen protests continued outside the Public Broadcaster’s building in Tbilisi. One such large-scale protest was announced for January 29, 2025. Two days before the rally, on January 27, a statement by eight members of the Board of Trustees was published on the Public Broadcaster’s online platform. They expressed concern over ongoing events, claiming that protesters were being “used against the channel by individual [political] leaders and activists.”

Dismissed and Sanctioned Employees

On January 30, 2025, during a meeting of the Board of Trustees, Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani the anchor of the 6:00 p.m. news program Moambe, who had been expressing on-air solidarity with Mzia Amaghlobeli (the illegally detained founder of online news outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti) criticized the Board Chairman Vasil Maghlaperidze for interfering in editorial decisions of the broadcaster.

By February 4, during the next Board meeting, Ivanov-Chikovani was suspended from his anchoring duties indefinitely. It was stated during the meeting that producers had refused to work with him, citing his critical on-air remarks and his solidarity with Mzia Amaghlobeli as the reasons. The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) characterized this as a persecution of a journalist for expressing a public position.

Following this event, the Public Broadcaster’s management initiated a repressive policy against employees who were particularly critical. This included Nino Zautashvili, the author and anchor of the social and political program Realuri Sivrtse (Real Space), and her editorial team.

On February 28, the first employee was dismissed: Ana Metreveli, assistant producer for the social shows Shuadghis Piki (Midday Peak) and Saghomos Piki (Evening Peak). The official reason given for not renewing her contract was “cost optimization.” Ana Metreveli went public with her salary details, revealing her net take-home pay was only 490 GEL.

On March 23, another staff member, Ani Jobava from the morning show, was removed from the air.

In April, the repressions reached a new level:

April 11: Journalists Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani and Nino Zautashvili were dismissed. The stated grounds were “disciplinary investigations,” the results of which were not shared with them prior to their firing.

The same day, the channel’s management imposed disciplinary sanctions on four other employees: journalist Tamar Mshvenieradze, anchor Ioseb Katsitadze, control room director Kakhaber Melikidze, and branding/promotion director Irma Chubinidze.

In solidarity with the afore-mentioned staff members of the broadcaster, journalists Tea Kakhiani and Davit Velijanashvili resigned from the channel.

The Social Justice Center assessed these events: “The developments at the broadcaster demonstrate a grave reality of the regime gaining political control over and seizing a constitutionally protected independent institution, which, against the backdrop of deteriorating media freedom in Georgia, is a manifestation of a disturbing trend toward the consolidation of authoritarianism.”

On April 17, four more employees, editor Tukha Kvinikadze, executive producer Tamar Chincharashvili, correspondent Ana Abakelia, and editor-operator Givi (Giga) Kitia received disciplinary sanctions. The General Director of the broadcaster, Tinatin Berdzenishvili, reprimanded them for “questioning the broadcaster’s editorial independence and impartiality through public statements, thereby causing reputational damage to the employer.” They were warned of potential dismissal for any further violations within the next 12 months.

On August 26, 2025, Giga Kitia was sanctioned a second time for participating in a protest on Rustaveli Avenue. Accused of “reputational damage,” 30% was deducted from his September salary. 

On September 1, Meri Shikhashvili, another Realuri Sivrtse staff member returning from maternity leave, was also dismissed.

On December 26, 2025, the broadcaster fired director Kakhaber Melikidze, who had worked at the channel since 1998. According to the “Guardians of the Public Broadcaster,” Melikidze was among the first to openly expose the political pressure exerted on staff. The channel’s management reportedly pressured him to frequently show Georgian Dream officials, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, during national football team matches, even when this contradicted UEFA standards and regulations. Prior to his firing, he had been sanctioned twice (April 11 and October 25).

On February 11, 2026, management reprimanded studio operator Givi Chimakadze for “reputation-damaging” social media posts and issued a final warning. 

On February 24, Ketevan Sinitsa, an HR project manager, had 30% of her February salary deducted for “promoting the spread of incorrect information damaging to the employer’s reputation in the public space.”

Canceled Programs and Segments

On April 30, 2025, the management of First Channel decided to close the program Realuri Sivrtse (Real Space). This decision communicated to the employees in writing read: “As you are aware, the project term for the Public Broadcaster’s talk show Realuri Sivrtse expires on May 1. Given that the employment relationship with the host and face of the said talk show was terminated on April 11, 2025, there are no plans to extend the project term for this talk show.” 

The program Realuri Sivrtse focused on social issues and was distinguished by its critical stance toward the Georgian Dream. Since the fall of 2024, under the pretext of the process of moving to the television’s new building, Realuri Sivrtse had been airing on the First Channel’s radio. Following Nino Zautashvili’s dismissal from the channel, Realuri Sivrtse ceased to air on the radio as well. The Realuri Sivrtse team rejected management’s offer to continue working on the radio’s morning program; as a result, six of the program’s employees left the First Channel (see above).

On July 25, it became known that First Channel was closing the program Am Shabat-Kviras (This Weekend). The channel’s management offered the program’s team executive producers Tamar Chincharashvili and Mariam Pirtskhalava, producer Nia Barabadze, journalist Ana Abakelia, and hosts Lika Evgenidze and Giorgi Sharvashidze transfers to other programs. A letter sent to the employees by the channel’s director, Tina Berdzenishvili, indicated that if they did not accept the offer, their cooperation would be terminated.

According to the letter, the program’s project term was set to expire on August 1, 2025 and would not be extended because the broadcaster no longer had a need for it: “Starting from the new television season, the afternoon slot of the updated broadcasting grid will be dedicated to a new project covering every day of the week. Consequently, a separate and additional need for a weekend-only program no longer exists.” All six employees refused to transfer to other programs. Accordingly, they were dismissed from their jobs as of August 1.

On the same day, it was revealed that First Channel also closed journalist Ia Antadze’s project, Saintereso Adamianebi (Interesting People). “Of course, this decision was not unexpected, as I perceive it as a natural consequence of my choices and my responsibility,” the journalist wrote on social media. She also stated, “Until now, my social activity was restricted by contract, and I honestly upheld that condition. Now I am completely free and will try to share with you along the way every opinion that I consider important.” As part of the project, a portrait-genre interview was published once a week on the First Channel’s website. In the recent period, Ia Antadze’s respondents included individuals who openly criticize Georgian Dream, including journalist and founder of the publication Publika Zura Vardiashvili, Chair of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association Nona Kurdovanidze, former public official Davit Chkheidze, and numerous individuals involved in pro-European protests.

On July 30, it became known that the segment Adamianebi Istoriidan (People from History) would no longer air on First Channel starting from the fall season. “This was my last program on the Public Broadcaster… I want to wish our listeners success. Also, I wish for our country to unite, strengthen, and become a just nation,” Dimitri Silakadze said as he bid farewell to the audience. He refused an offer to transfer to another program and decided to leave the channel. His segment, Adamianebi Istoriidan, was initially broadcast during the program Am Shabat-Kviras, but from 2024, it moved to the First Channel radio program Shuadghis Pikis Saati (Midday Peak Hour).

The Role of the Board of Trustees in the Broadcaster’s Repressive Policy

The channel’s management implemented its repressive policy against critical employees with the direct assistance of the Board of Trustees.

For instance, on March 21, 2025, during a board meeting, individual members of the Public Broadcaster’s Board of Trustees discussed the critical statements made by several journalists, including Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani and Nino Zautashvili. They deliberated on the necessity of involving the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the activities of these journalists. “I think it is very appropriate for the Prosecutor’s Office to study this matter—why these people suddenly wanted this story together, why these events are linked to one another. None of this is their own independent creation because when you have the first, the second, the third, and then everyone gathered here together, it doesn’t happen by chance,” Vasil Maglaperidze stated during the meeting.

Soon after, the Board of Trustees attempted to bar critical journalists from attending board meetings. Specifically, on April 29, 2025, when a board meeting was scheduled, Nino Zautashvili, Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, Giga Kitia, and Giorgi Iasashvili submitted written requests to attend the session in accordance with existing rules. However, the Board of Trustees denied them entry.

During the May 30, 2025 meeting, board members introduced amendments to the regulations of the Public Broadcaster’s Board of Trustees. Under the previous version of the regulations, any interested person could physically attend the Public Broadcaster’s public board meetings by providing prior notice. Following the amendments, however, attendance would henceforth only be possible online. These changes, supported by eight board members, went into effect on June 1. These shifts made the Public Broadcaster’s operations even more opaque.

There was also an incident where a board member, who was critical of the Chairman’s initiative, was publicly insulted with offensive language by another member after the Chairman made a statement potentially damaging to the channel’s operations and reputation. Specifically, in February 2026, after it became known that Great Britain had imposed sanctions on two pro-government channels Imedi and POSTV, the Board Chairman Vasil Maghlaperidze expressed open support for these channels. Following his supportive remarks during a board meeting, one of the board members, Lika Basilaia-Shavgulidze, asked Vasil Maghlaperidze whether this support put the Public Broadcaster’s operations at risk; this question was met with verbal abuse from another member of the board.

Appendix #1

List of Employees Affected by the Channel’s Repressive Policy (The list is based on publicly reported cases collected by CMISand data from the “Makurebeli” platform)

Dismissed Employees:

• Ana Metreveli – Assistant Producer, Am Shabat-Kviras (This Weekend)
• Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani – Anchor, Moambe News
• Nino Zautashvili – Anchor, Realuri Sivrtse (Real Space)
• Ia Antadze – Project Saintereso Adamianebi (Interesting People)
• Kakha Melikidze – Sports Channel Director and Control Room Director
• Meri Shikhashvili – Journalist, Realuri Sivrtse (Real Space)

Employees who resigned after refusing management’s offer to transfer to other programs following show cancellations:

• Keti Kapanadze – Producer, Realuri Sivrtse
• Tamara Mshvenieradze – Journalist, Realuri Sivrtse
• Omar Tsotsoria – Journalist, Realuri Sivrtse
• Tukha Kvinikadze – Editor, Realuri Sivrtse
• Soso Katsitadze – Co-anchor, Realuri Sivrtse
• Tamar Chincharashvili – Executive Producer, Am Shabat-Kviras
• Ana Abakelia – Journalist, Am Shabat-Kviras
• Mariam Pirtskhalava – Executive Producer, Am Shabat-Kviras
• Nia Barabadze – Producer, Am Shabat-Kviras
• Lika Evgenidze – Anchor, Am Shabat-Kviras
• Giorgi Sharvashidze – Anchor, Am Shabat-Kviras
• Dimitri Silakadze – Co-anchor, Am Shabat-Kviras
• Ani Jobava – Journalist, Morning Show (Initially removed from the air; received no transfer offer and ultimately left the channel).

Employees who resigned voluntarily (on the basis of their own application):

• Lekso Kurkhuli – Web Editor
• Tea Kakhiani – Monitoring Manager
• Davit Velijanashvili – Anchor
• Nino Dadvani – Promotion Group Director
• Irma Chubinidze – Promotion Group Director
• Keti Vashagashvili – Promotion Group Director
• Keti Eleishvili – Scriptwriter

Employees subjected to disciplinary sanctions:

• Tamara Mshvenieradze – Journalist, Realuri Sivrtse
• Soso Katsitadze – Co-anchor, Realuri Sivrtse
• Kakha Melikidze – Sports Channel/Control Room Director (Sanctioned twice)
• Irma Chubinidze – Promotion Group Director
• Tukha Kvinikadze – Editor, Realuri Sivrtse
• Tamar Chincharashvili – Executive Producer, Am Shabat-Kviras
• Nia Barabadze – Producer, Am Shabat-Kviras
• Ana Abakelia – Journalist, Am Shabat-Kviras
• Giga Kitia – Video Editor, Public Broadcaster
• Givi Chimakadze – Studio Operator, Engineering and Technology Operators Group
• Ketevan Sinitsa – HR Project Manager, Human Resources Management Department

In 2025, courts of two instances heard various cases involving the founder of the media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, imprisoned Mzia Amaghlobeli. The courts issued numerous rulings, including in cases concerning so-called “prisoners of conscience.” Alongside individuals detained without justification, the fate of opposition party leaders and people critical of “Georgian Dream” was also being decided in court.

From late 2025 into early 2026, trials were held against former high-ranking officials of “Georgian Dream,” including former two-time Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. He is accused of receiving illegal income. Court proceedings were also held in cases involving businessmen linked to “Georgian Dream.”

Covering such proceedings is a priority for the media. Stories like these appear on the front pages of media outlets or as the lead segment of television news. However, as a result of laws adopted by the “Georgian Dream” parliament and amendments made to existing legislation, media coverage of court proceedings has been significantly restricted. Ultimately, this harms the public’s interest in receiving comprehensive information about court cases.

On June 18, 2025, “Georgian Dream” initiated and soon after, through an expedited procedure, adopted amendments to the Organic Law on Common Courts, which introduced the following changes:

● Photography, filming, video recording, broadcasting, and audio recording were banned inside court buildings, in courtrooms, and in court courtyards.

● In addition to these restrictions, broadcasters’ access to covering court proceedings was also limited. Specifically, a provision in force since 2013 was abolished, under which the Public Broadcaster could cover court proceedings without restriction, and if it did not exercise this right, it could transfer filming rights to another broadcaster with the judge’s prior written consent.

● The right to confiscate personal items was introduced. Courts were granted the authority to seize mobile phones, computers, photo, video, and audio equipment, and other items from individuals entering the building.

● At the same time, the publicity of court decisions was restricted. Court acts become public only after the final decision enters into legal force. Any person, including the media, is prohibited from publishing decisions without depersonalization. Information is released only in accordance with procedures established by the Administrative Code.

● Liability for contempt of court was introduced. Specifically, expressing disrespect toward a judge—by the parties, other participants in the case, or any other person, in any form (verbally, through obscene or similar actions) and in any circumstance (during a court hearing or in a public space), insofar as it relates to the judge’s status—entails liability as provided by law.

As a result of these changes, media representatives who remain outside court buildings have been left with inadequate working conditions. No designated spaces have been arranged on court premises where they could work without obstruction. In summer they must work in extreme heat, and in winter in freezing conditions, in order to provide the public with information about critically important cases.

The Media Advocacy Coalition is calling on the High Council of Justice to create properly equipped and safe working spaces for media representatives. The coalition describes the working conditions of independent media as “extremely critical.”

Since the restrictive laws came into force, the Center for Media, Information and Social Research (CMIS) has documented practices in which journalists are subjected to physical violence in courts, their equipment is damaged, they are verbally abused, and they are prevented from carrying out their professional duties. Similar incidents include the following:

● During the December 17, 2025 hearing in the case of 13 individuals detained in the so-called “October 4 case,” television journalists requested permission to leave the courtroom once in order to go live on air. Tbilisi City Court Judge Tamar Makharoblidze stated that if the journalists left the hearing, they would not be allowed to return to the courtroom.

● On November 23, 2025, at the Zugdidi District Court, a journalist from TV Pirveli had their mobile phone confiscated. According to the broadcaster, the journalist was allowed into the courtroom only after the Bailiff Service sealed the phone.

● On November 11, 2025, the Kutaisi Court of Appeal heard the appeal of imprisoned Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, in a small courtroom with a capacity of 24 people. The seats filled quickly, preventing even journalists who wished to cover the hearing from attending.

● On October 1, 2025, the Tbilisi City Court bailiff threatened Publika online outlet journalist Mindia Gabadze with calling the police and attempted to physically assault him. Gabadze was covering the court hearing of activist Gela Khasaia.

● On October 1, 2025, a bailiff employee at the Tbilisi City Court took the phone of Formula TV journalist Natali Jakhutashvili and returned it broken.

● On July 22, 2025, the head of the Tbilisi City Court Bailiff Service, Davit Matiashvili, threatened Publika editor Zurab Vardiashvili with legal liability for recording video. Vardiashvili was trying to document how the Bailiff Service forcibly removed an opposition party member from the court building.

● On July 10, 2025, Judge Nino Galustashvili closed the Lomidze–Zasokhashvili trial and ordered everyone present, including journalists, to leave the courtroom after a photograph from the hearing was circulated.

An order issued by the High Council of Justice in July 2025 can be regarded as an unfair and politically motivated decision toward the media. Television companies Imedi and the Public Broadcaster, controlled by “Georgian Dream,” were granted permission to film the court proceedings of businessman Giorgi Bachyashvili, who is considered Bidzina Ivanishvili’s “personal prisoner.” This was the first case since the legislative changes banning media filming of court proceedings in which the High Council of Justice granted such permission. Journalists from Imedi and the Public Broadcaster stated that they applied to the High Council of Justice on July 28, 2025, and received permission the following day.

Problems with judicial independence and a form of “clan-based governance” aligned with “Georgian Dream” are recognized both domestically and internationally. An influential group of judges has formed within the judicial system, which exercises control over judicial power through the High Council of Justice.

Concentrated in the Council’s hands are a nepotistic system of judicial appointments and promotions, the appointment of court chairs based on vested interests, and mechanisms of disciplinary proceedings. Under conditions of heavy caseloads and prolonged proceedings, the constant threat of disciplinary liability creates governance based on fear, increases corruption risks, and substantially restricts judicial independence.

The combination of these mechanisms forms a model of clan-based governance, under which the judicial system is significantly dependent on informal influence.

The Communications Commission of Georgia is the regulatory body whose mandate includes the supervision of electronic communications, media services, and video-sharing platform services. The Commission’s activities have a significant impact on the media environment and freedom of expression in Georgia. The term of office for Kakha Bekauri, who was elected as a member of the Commission in 2014 and served as Chairman since 2017, has expired. The election of a new Commission Chairman is scheduled for January 29 of this year.

During Kakha Bekauri’s chairmanship, a series of decisions made by the Communications Commission became the subject of criticism from media freedom and rights advocacy organizations. According to the Media Advocacy Coalition, during his chairmanship, the regulator made selective and disproportionate decisions against independent and critical media.

The expanded powers of the Communications Commission to supervise and sanction media activities were defined by legislative changes adopted by the Georgian Dream parliament, which substantially altered the regulator’s role in the media sphere and strengthened its sphere of influence.

Materials prepared by the Center for Media, Information and Social Research (CMIS) present the decisions and practices of the Communications Commission that have caused significant concern among local and international media watchdogs over the past two years, and were critically assessed for  disregard of internationally recognized media freedom standards.

Through unsubstantiated changes to the Law on Broadcasting carried out via an expedited procedure, the Communications Commission’s authority to interfere in medias’ editorial policy has increased significantly.

● Amendments to the Law on Broadcasting were adopted by the Georgian Dream parliament on April 1, 2025. According to the amendment, foreign funding of broadcasters was completely prohibited, and the powers of the regulatory body – the Communications Commission, were significantly increased; specifically, the professional activities of journalists fell within the scope of regulation.

A) According to the amendments to the law, a broadcaster is prohibited from receiving direct or indirect funding from a so-called “foreign power” and the purchase of a broadcaster’s services by a “foreign power” is prohibited, except for advertising or product placement.

B) Broadcasters are also prohibited from receiving direct or indirect funding in exchange for placing social advertising.

C) The amendment also introduced detailed regulations regarding television and radio broadcasting standards, concerning proper factual accuracy and the right of reply. Additionally, regulations were added regarding fairness and impartiality of facts, the inviolability of private life, obtaining and transmitting information using covert methods, coverage of armed conflict, accidents, and other emergency situations, as well as specific issues regarding the protection of minors.

● On June 12, 2025, parliament passed the third reading of a legislative package that amended the Law on Broadcasting and added a new chapter to the Administrative Procedure Code. These changes granted even broader powers to the Communications Commission. More specifically, the Communications Commission can now request confidential information about broadcasters from banks through the court. According to the Media Advocacy Coalition, these changes are equivalent to granting the possibility of violating banking confidentiality and represent a “new tool for financial pressure and blackmail against the media.”

Actions taken by the Communications Commission against the background of the adopted amendments to the Law on Broadcasting:

1. On January 22, 2026, the Communications Commission issued a written warning to Radio Marneuli for receiving a grant. The Commission made the decision based on the repressive amendment to the Law on Broadcasting that prohibits media outlets from receiving grants from donor organizations.

2. “Radio Marneuli” also received a written warning from the Communications Commission on October 9, 2025, for the same reason r- eceiving a grant from a “foreign power.”

3. On October 9, 2025, the Communications Commission issued written warnings to the TV broadcasters Formula and Formula Multimedia and ordered them to cease the violation of the Law of Georgia on Broadcasting and the receipt of funding from a “foreign power.”

4. On October 9, 2025, the Communications Commission ordered Radio-TV Nor to cease receiving funding from a “foreign power.”

5. On October 9, 2025, the Communications Commission issued a written warning to Sistema Gamma. They were ordered to cease the violation of the Law of Georgia on Broadcasting and the receipt of funding from a “foreign power.”

6. On July 3, 2025, the Communications Commission recognized TV companies TV Pirveli, Mtavari Arkhi, and Formula as lawbreakers based on a complaint by Georgian Dream.

The party sued the television stations for using terms such as: “illegitimate parliament,” “oligarch’s regime,” “prisoners of the regime,” “illegitimate government,” “clan court,” etc.

Decisions made by the Communications Commission against independent media prior to the amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, before the 2024 parliamentary elections ,  documented by the Center for Media, Information and Social Research:

1. On October 13, 2024, the Tbilisi City Court fined the TV company Formula 5,000 GEL for granting qualified election subject status to the opposition party Gakharia for Georgia and airing the party’s video clip. The court made this decision based on a protocol from the Communications Commission, which the Commission drew up against the TV company on October 10. TV Formula relied on Edison Research data, where the Gakharia for Georgia party had more than 4% support. The regulatory commission demanded that the TV company verify the research results. According to the Media Advocacy Coalition, the decision was evidence of systemic bias that “threatens political pluralism and represents an attempt to punish the media before the elections.”

2. On October 11, 2024, the City Court fined the TV companies Formula,TV Pirveli, and Mtavari Arkhi 5,000 GEL each for not airing the ruling party’s election advertisement. The court’s decision was preceded by a conclusion from the Communications Commission. Georgian Dream demanded that stations air its political advertisement — “No to War, Choose Peace.” On October 9, the Communications Commission recognized the television stations as lawbreakers. In a statement, the Commission pointed out that the Georgian Dream video contained neither war propaganda nor calls for strife and enmity, which the broadcasters had emphasized.

Since October 19, 2025, after the “Georgian Dream” parliament passed yet another repressive amendment under an expedited procedure, 14 media representatives were detained in Tbilisi on Rustaveli Avenue for participating in — and in some cases covering — the ongoing protest.

1. On October 19, TV presenter and journalist Vakho Sanaia of the TV company “Formula” was detained and sentenced to 6 days in prison;
2. On October 20, TV journalist Keta Tsitskishvili of the TV company “Formula” was detained and sentenced to 5 days in prison;
3. On October 21, TV journalist Tsira Zhvania was detained and sentenced to 10 days in prison;
4. On October 21, former journalist of the Georgiam Public Broadcaster Vasil-Ivanov Chikovani was arrested. He was sentenced to 7 days in detention;
5. On October 22, Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov was arrested and sentenced to 14 days in prison;
6. On October 22, journalist Lika Basilaia-Shavgulidze, a member of the board of the Public Broadcaster, was arrested and sentenced to 5 days in prison;
7. On October 24, journalist Basti Mgaloblishvili of the online media outlet Public was arrested and released within hours. Mgaloblishvili was on duty;
8. On October 24, the founder and director of “Formula” Giorgi Liponava was arrested.
9. On October 24, writer and publisher, editor-in-chief of “Intelekti” Zviad Kvaratskhelia was arrested.
10. On October 25, Nika Pataraia, a cameraman for the TV company “Formula”, was arrested and sentenced to 4 days in prison;
11. On 3 November, was arrested MediaChecker journalist Ninia Kakabadze. Her court hearing is scheduled for 12 November. At the time of her detention, Ninia Kakabadze was performing her professional duties;
12. On 5 November, Formula journalist Liza Tsitsishvili was detained. She was released approximately ten minutes later, and an apology was issued to her. Liza Tsitsishvili was performing her professional duties at the time;
13. On November 12, Afghan Sadigov, an Azerbaijani journalist living in Georgia, was given administrative detention for the second time on the pretext of blocking the road
14. On November 22, during a protest rally in Tbilisi, Giorgi Mamniashvili, a journalist from TV Pirveli, was arrested near Ingorokva Street. At the moment of his arrest, he was performing his professional duties. He was fined 3,000 GEL

On October 16, the “Georgian Dream” party, in an expedited manner, adopted another legislative amendment in two days, which further tightens sanctions against citizens participating in protests and significantly restricts freedom of assembly and expression.

According to the amendments, administrative imprisonment of up to 15 days, without a fine, is provided for wearing a mask at a rally, possessing tear gas, and blocking a road. In addition, judges will no longer have the right to use fines as an administrative penalty in cases of administrative offenses.

The detention of journalists by the “Georgian Dream” party is a direct attack on the media and freedom of expression. “In such conditions, the activities of independent media are facing serious threats, which significantly limits the right to information of a democratic society,” the Media Advocacy Coalition said in a statement.

While covering ongoing protests in Tbilisi and other cities across Georgia, a clear pattern has emerged: journalists, camera operators, and photographers are increasingly being obstructed in their work. This includes instances of verbal and physical abuse, as well as the damage to or confiscation of their equipment.

More recently, a new trend has emerged in which media representatives are fined for “blocking roads” while covering protests. There have also been documented cases of journalists being harassed or even dismissed from their jobs for expressing critical opinions.Since November 28, 2024, the Center for Media, Information, and Social Research has documented 145 incidents in which the rights of media representatives were violated during pro-European protests or related events. In total, 193 journalists, photographers, and camera operators have been targeted by repressive actions.Dozens of those reporters were targeted by various forms of repression multiple times.

In addition, the police issued up to 40 fines to media representatives. Of these, 33 fines were issued to journalists for allegedly blocking the road while performing their professional duties. Some journalists were fined more than once.

Publicly documented list of incidents:

1. On June 4, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs fined Netgazeti journalist Nino Baidauri 5,000 GEL. She is the 37th journalist the Ministry has accused of blocking the road while performing professional duties.
2. On June 4, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs informed Mariam Nikuradze, the founder and director of OC Media, that a negative decision had been made regarding one of the four fines she had appealed. The remaining three are still under review. Mariam Nikuradze is being accused of blocking the road while carrying out her professional duties, based on which the Ministry of Internal Affairs issued her four fines of 5,000 GEL each.
3. On June 2, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs fined Media 64’s graphic designer, Beka Beridze, 5,000 GEL. He is being accused of blocking a road on February 11. According to the media, Beka Beridze was performing his professional duties at the time.
4. On May 31, 2025, Khatia Ghoghoberidze, editor-in-chief of the Media April, was informed that she had been fined 5,000 GEL for allegedly “illegally blocking the road.” The Ministry of Internal Affairs claims that she blocked the road on March 29.
5. On May 31, 2025, the Tbilisi City Court found Natia Gogsadze, former TV anchor and journalist for Mtavari Arkhi, guilty of an administrative offense and fined her 5,000 GEL for “blocking the road.”
6. On May 23, 2025, Judge Zviad Tsekvava fined Publika journalist Mariam Kavshbaia 5,000 GEL. The police had filed an administrative offense report against her on February 3 of this year, accusing her of illegally blocking the road while performing her professional duties.
7. On May 1, 2025, TV Pirveli cameraman Lasha Jioshvili was fined 3,000 GEL over a Facebook post he had published.
8. On April 30, 2025, Formula TV journalists Eliso Jariashvili and Tata Forakishvili received notifications that their accreditation to the Georgian Parliament had been suspended for one month.
9. On April 29, 2025, the management of the Georgian Public Broadcaster’s First Channel denied entry to a meeting of the Public Broadcaster’s Board of Trustees to Nino Zautashvili, Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, and Giga Kitia — former employees who had publicly criticized the channel’s editorial policy for favoring the government.
10. On April 25, 2025, Tabula news agency journalist Luka Katsitadze was informed that he had been fined 5,000 GEL for allegedly “illegally blocking the road.” The accusation relates to an incident that took place on April 12.
11. On April 25, 2025, journalist Irina Makaridze was informed that she had been fined for allegedly blocking the road. She had been covering the ongoing protest on Rustaveli Avenue for the newspaper Qronika+ and the news agency CNews.
12. On April 24, 2025, Publika reporter Mindia Gabadze was ordered to leave a courtroom. Judge Davit Tetraulidze expelled the journalist for asking a question during the hearing. Gabadze was covering the trial of businessman Giorgi Chkheidze.
13. On April 23, 2025, photographer and OC Media founder Mariam Nikuradze was notified of her fourth 5,000 GEL fine, once again for allegedly blocking the road.
14. On April 17, 2025, the management of the Georgian Public Broadcaster’s First Channel imposed disciplinary measures on three additional employees who had publicly criticized the channel’s editorial policy for favoring the government. The employees are Tukha Kvinikadze, editor of the program Real Space; Tamar Chincharauli, executive producer of the Weekend Show; and Ana Abakelia, a correspondent for the same program.
15. On April 17, 2025, Tbilisi City Court Judge Zviad Tskekva fined Saba Sordia, a journalist from the outlet Indigo, 2,500 GEL for allegedly disobeying police orders.
16. On April 17, 2025, Mariam Nikuradze, founder of OC Media and a photographer, received notice of a third fine for allegedly blocking a road. She stated that she has already appealed the first two fines but has not yet received confirmation that legal proceedings have started. She plans to appeal the third fine as well.
17. On April 16, 2025, JAMnews journalist Irakli Datunashvili received an official notice informing him that he is being accused of blocking a road during a protest held on February 26 of the same year.
18. On April 11, 2025, two prominent journalists—Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani and Nino Zautashvili—were dismissed from the Georgian Public Broadcaster’s First Channel. The official reason given for their dismissal was a disciplinary investigation.
19. The management of the Georgian Public Broadcaster’s First Channel took disciplinary action against four employees who had publicly criticized the channel’s editorial stance, accusing it of being biased in favor of the government. The employees are: Tamar Mshvenieradze, a journalist for the program Real Space; anchor Ioseb Katsitadze; Kakha Melikidze, technical director and part-time director of the sports channel; and Irma Chubinidze, head of the branding and promotion team.
20. On April 10, 2025, Formula TV journalist Eliso Jariashvili received a phone notification informing her that she had been fined. She said the fine was related to an accusation that she blocked the road on March 12 while filming interviews for the show With the People on Rustaveli Avenue.
21. On April 8, 2025, Tozu Gulmamedova, a journalist for the online outlet Mautskebeli, was notified that she had been fined for allegedly blocking the road during a protest on February 16. At the time, she was carrying out her professional duties as a journalist.
22. On April 6, 2025, Indigo journalist Saba Sordia was detained for allegedly “disobeying police orders” and taken to the Digomi detention facility. He is accused of disobeying and verbally abusing police officers. A court ruling on his case is expected on April 17.
23. On March 28, 2025, during a protest in front of Parliament, police physically obstructed Nata Uridia, a journalist for the media outlet Aprili, while she was filming the protest with her mobile phone.
24. On March 27, 2025, the pro-government television channel Imedi spread disinformation targeting Georgian Public Broadcaster journalists Nino Zautashvili and Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, both known for their critical views. The channel falsely accused them of receiving “illegal income.”
25. On March 25, 2025, it was reported that Nino Dalakishvili, the Voice of America correspondent in Georgia, was fined 5,000 GEL for allegedly blocking the road. The accusation stems from an incident in which she was broadcasting live near Parliament while performing her journalistic duties. Dalakishvili has appealed the fine.
26. On March 23, 2025, it was revealed that Ani Jobava, a journalist with the Georgian Public Broadcaster’s First Channel, had been temporarily removed from her program. She stated that she was no longer invited to editorial meetings, and the show eventually returned to air without her. Jobava is among several journalists who have recently spoken out against the channel’s editorial policy.
27. On March 21, 2025, during a board meeting, members of the Public Broadcaster’s board of trustees affiliated with the ruling party, Georgian Dream, called on the Prosecutor’s Office to launch an investigation against three employees—Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, Nino Zautashvili, and Kakhaber Melikidze—who had publicly criticized the channel’s editorial policy.
28. On March 19, 2025, Mariam Nikuradze—founder, director, and photographer at OC Media—received two administrative fine notices. She was accused of blocking the road during protests on March 11 and 15, while carrying out her professional duties. Nikuradze stated that she plans to appeal both fines.
29. On March 19, 2025, Radio Tbilisi journalist Merab Merkiladze was informed that he had been fined for allegedly blocking the road during the March 15 protest.
30. On March 18, 2025, the Batumi City Court fined journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, 2,000 GEL for placing a protest sticker on the Batumi police building.
31. On March 11, 2025, Giorgi Mosiashvili, a cameraman for TV Pirveli, was fined 5,000 GEL (approximately $1,800) for allegedly “artificially blocking the road” while covering a protest on Rustaveli Avenue. This marked his second fine for the same offense; the first was issued on February 21. Mosiashvili has appealed both fines, but as of now, he has not received any response from the Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding the status of these appeals.
32. On March 17, 2025, the Tbilisi City Court found Publika journalist Aleksandre Keshelashvili guilty of disobeying police orders during the November 29, 2024, protest in front of Parliament. Despite being arrested and severely beaten while covering the demonstration, Keshelashvili received a verbal reprimand from the court.
33. On March 15, 2025, Gela Mtivlishvili, editor-in-chief of Mtis Ambebi, was allegedly attacked by personnel from the Ministry of Internal Affairs while returning from a shoot in western Georgia. According to Mtivlishvili, his car was pursued on the highway by a white pickup truck, forcing him to stop. Upon stopping, two armed individuals exited the truck, cursed and threatened him. When Mtivlishvili attempted to film the incident, one of the assailants struck him multiple times and tried to seize his phone. Eyewitnesses captured video footage of the attack.
34. On March 13, 2025, Formula TV journalist Nano Chakvetadze was fined for blocking a road while on duty at a protest on Rustaveli Avenue.
35. On March 12, 2025, Radio Liberty producer Beka Beradze received a verbal warning from the court for disobeying police. He was detained on December 1, 2024, during a protest and released without charges at that time.
36. On March 9, 2025, Formula TV journalist Irakli Tabliashvili was issued a fine for allegedly blocking a road during the February 24 protest.
37. On February 28, 2025, the Georgian Public Broadcaster’s First Channel did not renew the contract of Anna Metreveli, assistant producer of the radio programs “Afternoon Peak” and “Evening Peak,” citing her criticism of the channel’s editorial policy.
38. On February 24, 2025, Radio Liberty journalist Gela Bochikashvili was fined for allegedly blocking a road during the February 21 protest. He appealed, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs has accepted the case, promising a decision within three months.
39. On February 21, 2025, “TV Pirveli” cameraman and photographer Giorgi Mosiashvili was fined 5,000 GEL for allegedly blocking a roadway while performing professional duties. He appealed the fine but has not yet received a response.
40. On February 21, 2025, the Patrol Police contacted “Studio Monitor” journalist Nino Tsvrava. She was accused of blocking the road during a protest on February 17, while she was carrying out her professional duties. The journalist presented a certificate from her workplace to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, based on which she was informed that the fine had been waived.
41. On February 21, 2025, “Radio Liberty” journalist Giorgi Diasamidze was informed by phone about being fined. He is also accused of blocking the road while covering the protest on February 17. Diasamidze appealed the fine, but has not yet received a response.
42. On February 20, 2025, another journalist from “Studio Monitor,” Nino Shubitidze, received a notification about being fined. She is also accused of blocking the road on February 17, while she was at the protest to cover the event. Like her colleague, Nino Shubitidze submitted a certificate from her workplace, based on which the fine was also waived.
43. In the early hours of February 19, 2025, police used force to detain “TV Pirveli” cameraman Lasha Jioshvili. It was later revealed that he was arrested under Article 173 of the Administrative Offenses Code, which refers to disobedience to a lawful order of a police officer. On February 20, the court found Lasha Jioshvili guilty of an administrative offense and fined him 2,500 GEL.
44. On February 19, 2025, Basti Mgaloblishvili, a journalist from the online outlet “Publika,” posted a status on social media stating that he was being summoned to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to receive a formal notice. As Mgaloblishvili was informed during a phone call, the police accuse him of unlawfully blocking a roadway on February 14, 2025.
45. On February 14, 2025, “Tabula” journalist Beka Jikurashvili was accused of blocking the road while performing his professional duties. According to “Tabula,” Jikurashvili was wearing a press badge and was engaged in journalistic work at the time. The fine has been appealed.
46. On February 13, 2025, law enforcement authorities informed Natia Gogsadze, a journalist and TV host from the broadcaster “Mtavari Arkhi,” about being fined. She is accused of blocking the road during a protest on February 2. The case materials have already been handed over to the journalist, and a court hearing is scheduled for May 2.
47. On February 12, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs filed a case in court against Aleksandre Keshelashvili, a photojournalist from the online outlet “Publika.” The ministry accuses Keshelashvili of violating Articles 166 and 173 of the Administrative Offenses Code, which pertain to petty hooliganism and disobedience to a police officer, respectively.
48. On February 10, 2025, the Tbilisi City Court found “Mtavari Arkhi” cameraman Sergi Baramidze guilty of an administrative offense and issued a verbal warning. Baramidze had been subjected to violence by law enforcement officers while performing his professional duties.
49. On February 5, 2025, photographer Vakho Karel from the outlet “April” was contacted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and informed that he was being accused of blocking the road during the January 26 protest. On that day, the photographer was performing his journalistic duties at the protest. The outlet has appealed the fine, but the case is not yet concluded.
50. On February 4, 2025, Gela Mtivlishvili, founder and editor of the outlet “Mountain Stories,” published a Facebook post revealing that a vehicle belonging to the editorial team had been deliberately damaged. According to Mtivlishvili, the individual who damaged the car later came knocking on the door of the journalist’s home.
51. On February 4, 2025, law enforcement authorities contacted “Tabula” journalist Nikoloz Chiraqadze and informed him that he had violated traffic regulations while being present on the capital’s main avenue on January 17, and that he would have to undergo legal procedures. The fine has been appealed.
52. On February 4, 2025, while performing his professional duties, Vincent Khabeshishvili, editor-in-chief of “NEWS.On.ge,” was violently thrown to the ground by a police officer with a strong blow to the head.
53. Also on February 4, 2025, while covering events in front of the Parliament, police officers assaulted “Publika” journalist Natia Leverageishvili—they hit her and pulled her by the hair.
54. On February 4, 2025, a masked police officer attempted to seize the phone of “OC Media” journalist Givi Avaliani while he was performing his professional duties.
55. Also on February 4, 2025, the Public Broadcaster temporarily suspended journalist Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, anchor of the 6 PM news program. The decision was reportedly based on the producers’ refusal to continue working with Ivanov-Chikovani. The journalist himself linked the suspension to his critical stance toward the station’s editorial policy.
56. On February 2, 2025, “TV Pirveli” cameraman Niko Kokaia was injured during a protest. According to the broadcaster, he was apparently kicked in the stomach while performing his professional duties, causing him to fall. He was taken to a clinic, where he was diagnosed with a concussion.
57. On February 2, 2025, a police officer pushed and obstructed Nata Uridia, a staff member of the online outlet “April,” in the course of her professional duties. A video released by the media shows footage of the incident and captures the reporter’s voice as she tells the masked officer that she is a journalist.
58. Also on February 2, 2025, during the detention of protesters, police interfered with the work of another “April” staff member, photographer Vakho Karel, ordering him to leave the area.
59. On the same day, February 2, 2025, “Radio Liberty” journalist Gela Bochikashvili was obstructed and threatened by a police officer while doing his job. A video released by the outlet captures a masked officer saying to the journalist: “Move that camera now, or I’ll smash your head.”
60. Additionally, on February 2, 2025, a police officer verbally and physically assaulted Dea Mamiseishvili, a journalist from the broadcaster “Mtavari Arkhi.” A video published by the TV station shows the officer blocking her path and trying to forcibly remove her from the area.
61. On February 2, 2025, “Radio Marneuli” journalist Vladimir Chkhitunidze was filming the arrest of an opposition politician when officers from the Department of Special Tasks (DST) stopped him and forcibly removed him from the roadway.
62. Also on February 2, 2025, police verbally insulted and obstructed “TV Pirveli” journalist Diana Chirgadze and her cameraman while they were working.
63. On the same day, “TV Pirveli” journalist Khatia Samkharadze was verbally abused by Mirza Kezevadze, Deputy Head of the Department of Special Tasks. According to the broadcaster, the official also seized her phone and damaged it.
64. Additionally, on February 2, 2025, according to “TV Pirveli,” DST members attempted to seize a microphone from “Formula” journalist Giorgi Kvizhinadze and interfered with his professional work.
65. That same day, a masked police officer obstructed Akaki Sikharulidze, a representative of “Guria News,” in the course of his journalistic duties. A published video shows the masked officer pushing the camera.
66. Also on February 2, 2025, police interfered with journalist Ninia Kakabadze from “Mediachecker” during her filming. Officers also physically pushed her.
67. On February 1, 2025, the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, accused the online outlet “Publika” of promoting a call to commit a criminal offense. He referred to a poster published by the outlet about a protest planned for February 2 as such content.
68. On January 22, 2025, “Radio Liberty” journalist Eka Kevanishvili was accused of blocking the road during a protest. On that day, she was performing her professional duties alongside a cameraman. Radio Liberty submitted documentation to the police confirming that Kevanishvili was working in a journalistic capacity. The ministry’s response is still unknown.
69. On January 18, 2025, police threatened to fine Gela Mtivlishvili, editor of “Mountain Stories,” who was present on Rustaveli Avenue to cover a protest.
70. On January 12, 2025, during a protest near the Constitutional Court in Batumi, police arrested Guram Murvanidze, a cameraman and photographer for the outlet “Batumelebi,” while he was covering the demonstration. He was sentenced to 8 days of administrative detention.
71. On the night of January 11, 2025, during a protest near the police department in Batumi, police arrested Mzia AmaglobeLi, founder and director of the outlets “Batumelebi” and “Netgazeti,” for an administrative offense. She was detained for posting a protest-related sticker on a wall and was later released after signing a written statement.
72. On the night of January 12, 2025, during a protest near the police department in Batumi, police arrested Mzia AmaglobeLi, founder and director of the outlets “Batumelebi” and “Netgazeti.” She is under investigation under Article 353¹, Part 1 of the Criminal Code — assault on a police officer, a special penitentiary service employee, another government representative, or a public institution. The offense carries a prison sentence of 4 to 7 years.
73. On January 4, 2025, “Mtavari Arkhi” journalist Aleksandre Sajaya was accused of blocking the road while performing his professional duties. The court reviewed his case and issued a verbal warning.
74. On January 3, 2025, Davit Kekenadze, a journalist with the international media organization “Euronews,” was also accused of blocking the road while working. He was fined 5,000 GEL on the grounds that the footage submitted to the court did not show any press identification symbols. The journalist did not appeal the decision to a higher authority and paid the fine.
75. On December 24, 2024, photographer Giorgi Mosiashvili was approached on the street by an unknown individual who attempted to physically assault him. The attacker was unable to carry out the assault due to the photographer’s resistance.
76. On the same day, December 24, 2024, “TV Pirveli” journalist Nanuka Kajaya was obstructed in her journalistic work and subjected to verbal and physical abuse by several individuals affiliated with “Georgian Dream” at a Christmas village event organized by the Tbilisi City Hall.
77. On December 17, 2024, while covering a protest in front of the Parliament in Tbilisi, the “TV Pirveli” crew—journalist Nanuka Kajaya and cameraman Niko Kokaia—were verbally abused and obstructed in their work by a person dressed in civilian clothing.
78. On December 16, 2024, in Batumi, while covering a protest, the editor of the outlet “Batumelebi,” Eter Turadze, was obstructed in her work by the head of the Adjara police, who forcibly removed her from the area. At the same protest, she was also addressed aggressively by the head of Batumi police.
79. On the same day, December 16, 2024, the director of the local Poti-based TV station “9th Wave,” Germane Salia, was fined 1,000 GEL by a patrol unit for “participating in a group protest motorcade.” According to the Journalism Resource Center (JRC), the incident refers to a December 13 protest march in Poti, which Salia was covering as a media representative.
80. On December 7, 2024, “TV Pirveli” journalist Maka Chikhladze and cameraman Giorgi Shesiruli were violently attacked by unknown individuals on Besiki Street in Tbilisi while broadcasting live. Their equipment was also damaged during the assault.
81. On December 7, 2024, a special forces officer obstructed a “Palitra News” journalist who was filming the dispersal of a protest with a mobile phone and damaged the device.
82. In the early hours of December 7, 2024, “Mtavari Arkhi” journalist and anchor Beka Qorshia was arrested during a protest. According to the broadcaster, he was physically assaulted during the arrest.
83. Also on December 7, 2024, “Mtavari Arkhi” journalist Dea Mamiseishvili was verbally abused during a protest.
84. That same day, members of the Department of Special Tasks (DST) interfered with and attempted to detain JRC crew members Davit Kvavadze and Natia Kuprashvili, who were filming protesters being surrounded and detained.
85. On December 7, 2024, “Kavkazsky Uzel” journalist Beslan Kmuzov was arrested and had his phone confiscated. He stated that he was detained after photographing DST officers on Rustaveli Avenue. The court fined him 2,000 GEL and released him on December 9.
86. On December 6, 2024, while covering a protest in Tbilisi, police obstructed “Publika” journalists Natia Amiranishvili and Basti Mgaloblishvili. The officers attempted to seize their phones as they recorded the detention of protesters.
87. Also on December 6, 2024, during coverage of a protest, “Publika” journalist Mindia Gabadze was physically assaulted by an unidentified individual. A video shows bystanders asking police to detain the attacker, but the officers failed to respond. Gabadze sustained facial injuries.
88. On December 4, 2024, “Formula” cameraman Tedo Kvachakhia was injured by tear gas used during a protest dispersal. He required first aid.
89. Also on December 4, 2024, “First Channel” cameraman Beso Gaprindashvili was injured during a protest on Rustaveli Avenue. He sustained a hand injury and was hospitalized. According to the broadcaster, he was struck by a firework.
90. On the same day, December 4, 2024, “Formula” reported that its journalist Luka Tqebuchava was deliberately targeted twice with gas canisters by special forces.
91. “TV Pirveli” journalist Nanuka Kajaya was also verbally and physically assaulted on December 4, 2024, near the “Courtyard Marriott” hotel. A criminal police officer smashed the broadcaster’s camera.
92. Finally, on December 4, 2024, a plainclothes law enforcement officer with no visible identification pushed “Formula” journalist Salome Bokuchava and attempted to obstruct her work. She was reporting live on the arrest of opposition politicians Aleko Elisashvili and Zurab Datunashvili.
93. On December 3, 2024, according to Public Broadcaster First Channel, journalist Teona Khubulava and cameramen Levan Kartvelishvili and Badri Gamrekelashvili were injured during a protest dispersal on Rustaveli Avenue after law enforcement used gas canisters. They received medical assistance on the spot.
94. Also on December 3, 2024, a special forces officer seized the phone of “Studio Monitor” journalist Nino Ramishvili while she was filming the beating of a protest participant. According to Ramishvili, she was wearing press identification and repeatedly told officers she was with the media, yet the phone was not returned.
95. On the same day, “TV Pirveli” reported that its broadcasting equipment was damaged during the dispersal of the protest, including a live transmission camera, which was rendered unusable.
96. On December 3, 2024, “Chaikhana” journalist Natali Chkhartishvili was forced to drop her Handycam while filming the detention of protest participants. She was also yelled at and told to turn off the camera.
97. Also on December 3, 2024, “Mtavari Arkhi” cameraman Givi Mchedlishvili became unwell while working. During a live broadcast, journalist Dea Mamiseishvili can be heard asking protesters to help the cameraman with saline solution.
98. That same day, JRC cameraman Bakar Kvavadze was hit in the leg by a gas canister, according to information shared with “Mediachecker.”
99. On December 2, 2024, during the dispersal of a protest inside Rustaveli metro station, police arrested Giorgi Chagelishvili, a journalist from the online outlet “Mautsgebeli.” A video shows Chagelishvili telling officers he is a journalist, but he was detained nonetheless.
100. Also on December 2, 2024, while filming the detention of protesters near Rustaveli metro station, a journalist from the online outlet “Publika” was pushed by a police officer, causing them to drop their phone.
101. On the same day, Mariam Nikuradze, editor of OC Media, was slammed into a wall by a police officer, resulting in damage to her camera.
102. On December 2, 2024, “Rustavi 2” journalist Tamta Chitishvili was injured near the Parliament. According to the broadcaster, the journalist will likely require surgical intervention.
103. On the same day, December 2, 2024, “Rustavi 2” cameraman Giorgi Nergadze was also injured near the Parliament. He received medical assistance on site from emergency doctors.
104. On December 2, 2024, “TV Pirveli” cameraman Niko Kokaia was injured during a protest. According to the journalist, he was likely sprayed with pepper spray. He received first aid at the scene from emergency medics. According to the “Media Ombudsman,” journalist Mariam Makasarashvili was also injured alongside Kokaia.
105. On December 2, 2024, a “TV Pirveli” cameraman who was filming the detention of citizens inside a business center on Besiki Street in Tbilisi was obstructed by DST officers and threatened not to record the footage.
106. On December 2, 2024, while performing his professional duties, a police officer assaulted Giorgi Baskhajaure, a journalist from the outlet “April.” Baskhajaure was filming the detention of protesters when officers attempted to seize his phone and chased him.
107. Also on December 2, 2024, Guranda Bilikhodze, an employee of the pro-government propaganda outlet “POST TV,” was injured by tear gas during the protest. The information was reported by the online outlet “Publika.”
108. On December 1, 2024, “First Channel” photojournalist Irakli Gedenidze was injured while covering a protest. According to the Public Broadcaster, the photographer was working near the “Tbilisi Marriott” hotel when he was injured—reportedly struck in the leg by a firework.
109. On the same day, a law enforcement officer used aggressive and offensive language toward “Mtavari Arkhi” journalist Keta Tsitskishvili.
110. On December 1, 2024, “TV Pirveli” cameraman Giorgi Shesiruli was injured while working live at a protest. According to the broadcaster, he sustained a leg injury. Shesiruli was taken by emergency responders to Aladashvili Clinic.
111. Also on December 1, 2024, a “Formula” TV crew was caught in a water cannon blast used to disperse protesters.
112. On that same day, a cameraman from “Formula” was injured during the protest, reportedly due to exposure to gas deployed for crowd dispersal.
113. On December 1, 2024, DST officers detained Beka Beradze, a producer for “Radio Liberty.” According to media reports, he was beaten after being taken into custody. Beradze was near the protest site when he found himself surrounded by police. Despite informing them of his profession, he was still arrested. He was later released without being charged with an administrative offense.
114. On the same day, December 1, 2024, photographer Nikoloz Tabukashvili from the online outlet “On.ge” was arrested during the protest. He was later released from court with a verbal warning.
115. On November 30, 2024, “First Channel” photographer Mirian Meladze was reportedly injured by a rubber bullet on Rustaveli Avenue.
116. Also on November 30, 2024, “TV Pirveli” journalist Mariam Gaprindashvili was injured. According to the broadcaster, she lost consciousness multiple times. Video footage shows blood coming from her forehead. She was taken to a medical facility.
117. On November 30, 2024, “TV Pirveli” cameraman Papuna Khachidze was physically assaulted during the protest.
118. On the same day, Anna Mskhaladze, a journalist from the online outlet “Publika,” was attacked by a DST officer while filming the detention of citizens. The officer hit her, causing her to drop her phone. When she identified herself as a journalist and bent down to retrieve the phone, she was struck in the head. The attacker then allegedly took the phone and fled. Her phone remains missing.
119. Also on November 30, 2024, while covering the protest, police used force against “RealPolitika” journalist Aka Zarqua. According to her account, about ten DST officers surrounded and beat her while hurling verbal abuse.
120. Photographer Giorgi Gamgebeli was also physically assaulted on November 30, 2024. He was taken to a clinic. His photography equipment was seized and destroyed.
121. On the same day, DST officers attacked “Formula” TV journalist Nutsa Bakhutashvili and her cameraman Irakli Bartava. The journalist sustained a concussion.
122. Additionally, “First Channel” cameraman Davit Bezhanishvili was injured during the protest. According to “Formula,” he was targeted by DST officers.
123. On November 30, 2024, a DST officer pushed Fyodor Khudokormov, a photographer for “Paper Kartuli,” while he was filming scenes of protesters being harassed.
124. On November 29, 2024, journalist Guram Rogava from “Formula” TV was seriously injured. While broadcasting live, he was attacked by an unidentified individual, allegedly a DST officer. The journalist sustained serious injuries to the head and neck. Earlier that same day, both Rogava and his cameraman were obstructed in their work. Live footage showed police officers forcibly removing the journalist from the scene while covering the camera and preventing the cameraman from filming.
125. Also on November 29, 2024, during the protest, “Formula” journalist Giorgi Kvizhinadze and cameraman Tedo Kvachakhia were injured. Journalist Khatia Samkharadze was also sprayed with pepper spray.
126. On the same day, November 29, 2024, equipment belonging to “Formula” TV’s crew covering a protest in Batumi was damaged. Journalist Tamar Tediashvili reported the incident during a live broadcast.
127. On November 29, 2024, “Publika” journalist Aleksandre Keshelashvili was detained by law enforcement while carrying out his professional duties. His camera was confiscated and he was beaten. He was later released after signing a statement and was taken to a medical facility for examination.
128. Also on November 29, 2024, police obstructed “Publika” journalist Natia Amiranishvili during filming and attempted to smash her phone.
129. That same day, “Publika” photojournalist Mindia Gabadze was injured.
130. On November 29, 2024, Giorgi Chumburidze, a cameraman for Radio Liberty’s Russian-language channel, Current Time, was obstructed in his professional work.
131. On the same day, “Publika” journalist Basti Mgaloblishvili was repeatedly obstructed while working. According to the outlet, he was struck multiple times.
132. “TV Pirveli” reported that on November 29, 2024, its cameraman Niko Kokaia was deliberately sprayed in the face with pepper spray by riot police.
133. Also on November 29, 2024, “TV Pirveli” cameraman Giorgi Shesiruli was physically assaulted by a member of the riot police. According to a journalist working with him, the officer approached from behind and struck him.
134. During the same protest, “TV Pirveli” journalist Nanuka Kajaya and cameraman Davit Bichikashvili were injured after riot police blasted them and their interviewee with a high-pressure water cannon during a live broadcast. The cameraman required medical assistance.
135. “TV Pirveli” journalist Ana Mdivani had an unknown substance sprayed into her face on November 29, 2024. She required medical attention.
136. “Mtavari Arkhi” journalist Dea Mamiseishvili and cameraman Giorgi Goginashvili felt unwell due to tear gas used during the protest.
137. “Mtavari Arkhi” journalist Keta Tsitskishvili was verbally insulted and obstructed by police while working. Her colleagues, journalist Davit Kobidze and cameraman Luka Bachilava, were also impeded in their professional duties.
138. According to Radio Liberty, journalists Davit Khoridze and Salome Chaduneli were physically assaulted during the protest.
139. Radio Liberty cameramen Ilia Ratiani and Zuka Khidasheli were obstructed in their work.
140. Early on November 29, 2024, during the dispersal of the remaining demonstrators, a riot officer punched Radio Liberty journalist Davit Tsagareli in the stomach and kicked him after throwing him to the ground.
141. While covering the protest, “Adjara TV” journalist Nino Lortchoshvili became unwell and lost consciousness. The channel reported it was likely due to exposure to pepper spray used by riot police.
142. Police sprayed pepper spray into the face of “Netgazeti” journalist Givi Avaliani.
143. Mariami Nikuradze, founder, journalist, and photographer for OC Media, was hit by a water cannon. She fell, and her camera was damaged. Nikuradze required medical treatment and later wrote on social media that law enforcement officers were preventing her from working.
144. Yulia Kalaban, a reporter for JAMnews, was pushed and kicked in the leg by a law enforcement officer as she tried to film riot police dismantling barricades on Rustaveli Avenue.
145. “Studio Monitor” journalists Nino Tsvrava and Nino Shubitidze, along with cameraman Giorgi Baramidze, were obstructed in their coverage of the protest. Journalist Nino Tsvrava later published a video on the social platform X showing excessive use of force by police.
146. On November 29, 2024, riot police physically assaulted Giorgi Gogua, editor of “Project 64,” kicking him in the legs.
147. On the same day, a journalist from “Rustavi 2” was injured by a water cannon.
148. Also on November 29, 2024, a riot police officer kicked “Expressnews” journalist Irakli Managadze.
149. “Tbel Abuseridze,” a photographer from the media outlet “April,” was also injured on November 29, 2024—reportedly after an unknown substance was sprayed into his eyes.
150. On November 29, 2024, “TOK TV” journalist Philipe Tsereteli was injured by a gas canister. The journalist stated that tear gas grenades were fired deliberately.
151. During the November 29, 2024 protest, “First Channel” live broadcast cameraman Davit Bezhanishvili was injured.

From May 2024 to May 2025, 342 incidents against journalists were recorded in Georgia.

The Center for Media, Information, and Social Studies (CMIS) monitors the media environment in Georgia, studies the working conditions of journalists, and documents cases of violations of their rights.

As a result of this research, the following types of incidents were recorded between May 2024 and May 2025:

342 Cases of Violations of the Rights of Media Representatives
(Including physical violence, illegal detention, prohibition on filming, denial of access to administrative buildings, fines, verbal and physical abuse, etc.)

• On the day of the October parliamentary elections – 67 incident
• During the pro-European protests since November 28 – 145 incidents

112 Cases of Physical Violence Against Media Representatives

• On the day of the October parliamentary elections – 10 incidents
• Since the start of the pro-European protests – 85 incidents

77 Cases of Prohibition on Filming

• On the day of the October parliamentary elections – 46 incidents
• Since the start of the pro-European protests – 22 incidents

In the past year, 13 media representatives have been illegally arrested on various grounds.

Of these, 11 journalists were arrested during the pro-European protests. One journalist, Mzia Amaglobeli, remains in prison to this day.

Between November 28, 2024, and May 1, 2025, 33 cases were recorded of journalists being fined for allegedly blocking roads while covering the pro-European protests. (Most of the fines have been appealed; a small number have been lifted, the majority are still under review, and one journalist has paid the fine.)

During the same period, 193 media representatives became targets of various forms of repression in connection with their coverage of the pro-European protests.

Detailed information about each incident is available on the website of the Center for Media, Information, and Social Studies (CMIS).

The Georgian Dream Parliament has fast-tracked the adoption of new restrictive laws targeting independent and critical media. These include the ”Foreign Agents Registration Act” [FARA] and amendments to the laws on Broadcasting and Grants. The legislation was passed amidst ongoing repression and violence against activists and journalists.

The new restrictive laws include:

Amendment to the Law on Grants

On April 16, 2025, Georgian Dream passed the amendment to the Law on Grants in its third reading. According to the changes:

• The grant issuer (donor) must seek approval from the Georgian government before issuing a grant to a Georgian organization.
  
• If a grant recipient accepts funding without this approval, they will be fined double the amount of the grant.
  
• The Anti-Corruption Bureau is granted additional powers, including the ability to request financial reports from individuals and to conduct interviews.
  
• The Bureau will also be authorized to request “special category personal data” from public institutions, individuals, and legal entities.
  

Non-governmental organizations issued a joint statement in response to the amendments to the Law on Grants.

“The law, in its essence and intended outcome, constitutes an act of persecution against the people and aims to leave citizens vulnerable to the punitive system of the ruling party while preventing the international community from offering support” – This is outlined in the statement issued by the NGOs.

Foreign Agents Registration Act [FARA]

On April 1, 2025, the Georgian Dream  party parliament approved the “Foreign Agents Registration Act” (FARA).

The new law introduces the term “agent of a foreign principal.” According to the legal definition, this can include, among others, employees of media organizations who “act in Georgia for the benefit or in the interest of a foreign principal.”

Under the law, a registration application must be submitted to the Anti-Corruption Bureau, which is granted broad authority, including the right to request any information deemed necessary for national security or public interest purposes.

Unlike other media-restrictive laws passed by the Georgian Dream parliament, violations of FARA may result not only in financial penalties but also in prison sentences of up to five years.

The adoption of FARA has been widely interpreted as a law that restricts independent civil society organizations and the media:

“Georgian Dream’s intent to adopt FARA—a law that is clearly disproportionate for overseeing media and civil society organizations—due to its harsh criminal enforcement mechanisms and the potential for selective, politically motivated application at the individual level. Members of the ruling party, including Irakli Kobakhidze, Shalva Papuashvili, and Mamuka Mdinaradze, have openly indicated such intentions. Unlike the U.S., where FARA is applied within a system of independent courts and strong protections for freedom of expression and association, Georgian Dream envisions using this American-named law as a tool to damage civil society—without those same safeguards,” according to a statement by the Social Justice Center.

Amendments to the Law on Broadcasting

On April 1, 2025—Georgian Dream passed amendments to the Law on Broadcasting.

According to the amendments, foreign funding of broadcasters was completely banned, and the powers of the regulatory body—the National Communications Commission—were significantly expanded, specifically bringing journalistic professional activity under regulatory scope.

The amended law prohibits broadcasters from receiving direct or indirect funding from a so-called “foreign power”, and also bans the purchase of broadcaster services by foreign powers, except in the case of advertisements or product placement.
Under these changes, broadcasters are prohibited from receiving any form of direct or indirect funding in exchange for airing social advertisements.

According to the law, a “foreign power” is defined as:
a) an entity that is part of a foreign state’s governmental system;
b) a natural person who is not a citizen of Georgia;
c) a legal entity not established under Georgian law;
d) an organizational unit or other type of association of persons founded under foreign or international law.

The amendments also introduce detailed regulations concerning TV and radio broadcasting standards, including provisions on factual accuracy, the right to reply, and additional regulations concerning fairness and impartiality, the inviolability of private life, gathering and transmitting information using covert methods, coverage of armed conflicts, accidents and other emergencies, as well as specific provisions for the protection of minors.

Transparency International Georgia has declared that these laws pose a threat to the existence of independent media with critical editorial positions.

In addition to these laws, in  2024, Georgian Dream enforced the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, also known as the “Russian Law”, which was passed by Georgian Dream despite widespread public opposition and criticism from international actors. This law requires NGOs and media organizations whose 20% or more of income is sourced from foreign organizations to register as entities pursuing the interests of a “foreign power.”