Safety of journalists in Georgia

Incidents

  • 24.03.2026
  • Tbilisi
  • Pro-government/Propaganda television station “POSTV”
  • Persecution based on professional grounds
Incident Type:
Verbal attack Discrediting

Pro-Government “Postv” Attempts to Discredit Investigative Journalists’ Association “iFact”

On February 24, the pro-government outlet “Postv” produced a report against the investigative journalists’ association “iFact.”
  • 24.03.2026
  • Tbilisi
  • The Georgian Public Broadcaster
  • Persecution for expressing critical position
Incident Type:
Labour rights Disciplinary action

Public Broadcaster Cuts Salary of Human Resources Projects Manager

On February 24, the Public Broadcaster reduced the February salary of Ketevan Sinitsa, Human Resources Projects Manager of the Human Resources Management Department, by 30 percent “for disseminating incorrect information in the public space that damages the employer’s reputation.” In the event of a repeat violation, she was threatened with dismissal.
  • 23.03.2026
  • Tbilisi
  • An official
  • Persecution based on professional grounds
Incident Type:
Legal incident Verbal warning

Shalva Papuashvili Verbally Insults “Formula” Journalist

The Speaker of Parliament from “Georgian Dream,” Shalva Papuashvili, verbally insulted the television company “Formula” and journalist Salome Labadze.
  • 23.03.2026
  • Tbilisi
  • Court
  • Interference with professional duties
Incident Type:
Interference

Judge Closes Court Hearing in the So-Called Sabotage Case

On February 23, a judge closed the court hearing of eight opposition politicians in the so-called sabotage case.
  • 20.03.2026
Incident Type:

Former owner of TV company “Imedi,” Irakli Rukhadze, verbally insults a Formula journalist

On March 20, after leaving the courtyard of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Irakli Rukhadze verbally insulted a journalist from the TV company “Formula.”
  • 11.03.2026
  • Tbilisi
  • The Georgian Public Broadcaster
  • Persecution for expressing critical position
Incident Type:
Legal incident Verbal warning

The cameraman of the Public Broadcaster was verbally warned

The Director General of the Public Broadcaster, Tinatin Berdzenishvili, issued a reprimand to Givi Chimakadze, a studio operator in the Technical and Technology Operations Group, for disseminating a statement on social media.
  • 26.02.2026
  • Tbilisi
  • The Georgian Public Broadcaster
  • Persecution for expressing critical position
Incident Type:
Verbal attack Verbal insult

Lika Basilaia-Shavgulidze was verbally insulted by a member of the Public Broadcaster’s board.

On February 26, 2026, at a Public Broadcaster board meeting, Lika Basilaia-Shavgulidze was verbally insulted by board member Gia Iakobashvili.
  • 21.02.2026
  • Tbilisi
  • An official
  • Persecution based on professional grounds
Incident Type:
Verbal attack Discrediting

Shalva Papuashvili Spread Manipulative Information About Mzia Amaghlobeli

On February 21, 2026, during a debate broadcast on the pro-government TV company “Imedi,” Shalva Papuashvili made a manipulative statement regarding the sentence of Mzia Amaghlobeli. He compared the journalist’s verdict to the sentence of a person convicted for slapping French President Emmanuel Macron.
  • 16.02.2026
  • Tbilisi
  • Chair of the Parliament of Georgia
  • Interference with professional duties
Incident Type:
Legal incident Laws Restricting Media Freedom

Changes to the One-Time Special Accreditation Procedure in Parliament and Its Impact on Media Activity

From January 1, 2026, a new rule for issuing one-time special accreditation came into effect, according to which the head of the apparatus makes a decision on granting special accreditation no later than 5 working days from the submission of the application. The one-time special accreditation is a mechanism that allows journalists who do not hold parliamentary accreditation to enter the Parliament of Georgia and carry out their professional activities for a specific purpose.
  • 16.02.2026
  • Tbilisi
  • Administrative body
  • Risk of media outlet closure
Incident Type:
Legal incident Legal persecution

The Communications Commission Initiated Administrative Proceedings Against TV Company “Caucasus” Over Donations Received from the USA

According to Nino Jangirashvili, head of TV company “Caucasus,” the Communications Commission has initiated administrative proceedings against the broadcaster on the basis of an individual donation received from the USA. At the Commission’s request, the broadcaster must provide detailed information about the received funds and the corresponding documentation within 3 working days.
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