Over the past year, the Center for Media, Information and Social Research (CMIS) documented
434 incidents in Georgia that targeted journalists, media outlets, and civil society
organizations working on media rights. In several cases, a single incident encompassed
multiple forms of violations (e.g. detention coupled with physical violence).
The Media Environment in Georgia
Georgia’s media environment is currently in a critical state. Independent journalists and media
outlets have been subjected to physical violence, unlawful detention and arrest, interrogations,
filming bans, denial of access to administrative buildings, illegitimate fines, verbal abuse,
threats, and other forms of mistreatment. Despite the magnitude of these violations, no
perpetrators, including those publicly identified, have been held accountable or brought to
justice.
On August 6, Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of the publications Batumelebi and Netgazeti, was
sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. Both local and international organizations have
described this conviction as politically motivated and are calling for Mzia Amaglobeli’s
immediate release.
In addition, independent media and civil society organizations focusing on media rights have
been increasingly targeted by repressive legislation. The Georgian Dream-led parliament has
adopted laws and amendments to the existing laws that pose an existential threat to independent
media and civil society organizations.
Documented Violations (October 2024–October 2025)
The following types and numbers of violations against media representatives were recorded
during the reporting period:
Politically Motivated Prosecution: 1 case
- On August 6, Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of Batumelebi/Netgazeti, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
Physical Violence and Injury: 122 Cases
- Physical violence against journalists: 82
- Physical violence resulting in journalists’ injury: 40
Unlawful Interference in Journalistic Activities: 104 Cases
- Prohibition of filming: 65
- Denial of entry to administrative buildings: 18
- Denial of admission to public events: 9
- Expulsion from courts: 9
- Suspension of accreditation: 3
Legal Incidents: 102 Cases
- Fining of journalists while covering rallies (alleged “artificial roadblocking” during
- pro-European protests): 37 The majority of fines have been appealed; a small number
- have been waived.
- Other financial fines imposed on media outlets (including fines for social media
posts): 17 - Legal persecution (e.g. summons to courts): 19
- Illegal detentions: 11
- Restrictive legislation: 5
- SLAPP lawsuits: 5
- Interrogations: 5
- Verbal warnings: 3
Verbal Abuse, Intimidation, and Discreditation: 108 Cases
- Verbal abuse: 65
- Intimidation: 22
- Discreditation: 21
Labor Rights Violations (January 2025 to Present): 22 Cases (All labor rights violations documented relate to the Georgian Public Broadcaster)
- Dismissal from work: 12
- Imposition of disciplinary sanctions: 8
- Restriction of the right to work (e.g., prevention from performing professional duties):
2
Attacks on Property: 29 Cases
- Damage to equipment: 13
- Confiscation or seizure of equipment: 14
- Damage to property (such as home or vehicle): 2
Violations against journalists surged sharply following the beginning of pro-European protests.
Since November 28, a total of 181 media representatives have been affected while covering
these demonstrations alone.
Furthermore, according to publicly available information, 9 cases were documented over the
past year where foreign journalists were unjustifiably refused entry into Georgia.
Significantly, on October 26, 2024, the day of parliamentary elections, the Center for Media,
Information and Social Research recorded at least 70 violations of journalists’ rights
