Fines

Georgian Journalist Fined for ‘Blocking Road’ While Covering Protest

Since November 28, 2024, during the ongoing pro-European protests in Georgia, journalists have repeatedly faced attacks and unlawful restrictions. There have been numerous cases of media workers being unjustly sanctioned while performing their professional duties — including fines for allegedly blocking roads while reporting on the protests, often without any legitimate basis.

Blocking the road is considered a violation of the rules for organizing and holding assemblies and demonstrations under Article 174¹ of the Administrative Offenses Code. Journalists who are being prosecuted on these grounds were simply carrying out their professional duties during the protests. While demonstrators move onto Rustaveli Avenue and block the roadway, journalists are on the scene — doing live broadcasts, conducting interviews, taking photos and videos, and performing other reporting tasks.

Since November 28, there have been 33 recorded cases of journalists being fined for “blocking the road.”

The Ministry of Internal Affairs fined Mariam Nikuradze, founder and photographer of OC Media, four times for “blocking the road” — on March 11, March 15, April 2, and April 3. In total, the journalist has been fined 20,000 GEL. Mariam Nikuradze has appealed all the fines. In one of the cases — related to the March 11 road blockage — the Ministry of Internal Affairs rejected her request to have the fine canceled. The remaining cases are still under review. According to the journalist, in all of the incidents mentioned, she was carrying out her professional duties, wearing a press badge, and had a camera with her.
On May 23, 2025, judge Zviad Tskekvava fined Mariam Kavshbaia, a journalist from Publika, 5,000 GEL. The administrative offense report against her was filed by police on February 3 of this year. The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused the journalist of “blocking the road” while performing her professional duties. Mariam Kavshbaia presented evidence to the court — including photos she took that day and her published reports on Publika’s Facebook page. Additionally, video footage submitted by the Ministry itself showed her working during the protest. Despite this, the court upheld the fine and ordered her to pay 5,000 GEL.
On April 25, 2025, journalist Irina Makaridze was notified that she had been fined 5,000 GEL for allegedly “illegally blocking the road.” According to the journalist, she was on Rustaveli Avenue performing her professional duties, covering the protest for Qronika +.
On April 12, 2025, Tabula news agency journalist Luka Katsitadze was fined 5,000 GEL for “blocking the road.” The online outlet Tabula reports that on April 12, Luka Katsitadze was on Shota Rustaveli Avenue carrying out his professional duties.
On April 10, 2025, Formula TV journalist Eliso Jarishvili was informed that she had been fined 5,000 GEL for “illegally blocking the road.” The Ministry of Internal Affairs accuses her of blocking the road on March 12, during which time she was performing her professional duties.
On April 10, photographer Goga Chanadiri was fined 5,000 GEL by Judge Nino Enukidze. He is accused of “blocking the road” on Rustaveli Avenue. The photographer responded to the court’s decision on social media, writing that he has attended nearly every rally and protest, covering them in various ways. He considers the fine to be unfair.
On April 8, 2025, Public Broadcaster journalist Tozu Gulmamedova was notified of a fine. She is accused of “blocking the road” on February 16 of the same year. According to the Public Broadcaster, Tozu Gulmamedova was performing her professional duties at the protest that day.
Khatia Ghoghoberdze, editor-in-chief of the media outlet April, was fined 5,000 GEL by the Ministry of Internal Affairs for allegedly “blocking the road” while carrying out her professional duties. The Ministry accuses the journalist of blocking the road on March 29. “In the official notice delivered to Ghoghoberdze, there is no mention of her performing professional duties — she is identified as a protest participant. The journalist plans to appeal the fine in court,” April reports.
On March 25, 2025, Voice of America’s correspondent in Georgia, Nino Dalakishvili, was fined 5,000 GEL for allegedly blocking the road. She is accused of “blocking the road” at a time when she was performing her professional duties — broadcasting live from the area near the Parliament.
On March 21, 2025, Netgazeti online outlet journalist Nino Baidauri was fined 5,000 GEL by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. She is accused of “blocking Rustaveli Avenue.”
On March 19, 2025, Radio Tbilisi journalist Merab Merkviladze received a notice of a 5,000 GEL fine.
TV Pirveli photojournalist Giorgi Mosiashvili was fined 5,000 GEL by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Police accuse Mosiashvili of “illegally blocking the road” on Rustaveli Avenue at 9:03 PM on March 11. In a social media post, Mosiashvili stated that at the time of the fine, he was on Rustaveli Avenue performing his professional duties. This is Mosiashvili’s second fine. The first was issued on February 21, 2025, also for allegedly “blocking the road.” In total, he has received two fines amounting to 10,000 GEL.
Formula journalist Nano Chakvetadze was fined 5,000 GEL. She is accused of “illegally blocking the road” on March 13, 2025. According to Formula, Nano Chakvetadze was on Rustaveli Avenue that day performing her professional duties.
On March 9, 2025, Formula TV journalist and talk show host Irakli Tabliashvili was fined for allegedly blocking the road during a protest. As he explains in his video blog, he was handed the fine while returning to Tbilisi from a country house with his wife and young child.
On February 11, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs fined Beka Beridze, a representative of the online media outlet 64, 5,000 GEL. He is accused of “illegally blocking the road.” Beridze appealed the fine imposed by the Ministry, but the appeal was rejected. The decision is now being challenged in court.
On February 21, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs fined Radio Liberty journalist Gela Bochikashvili 5,000 GEL for allegedly “blocking the road.” The journalist was performing his professional duties near the Parliament building, covering a protest. He was wearing a press vest and had proper press credentials.
On February 14, 2025, Publika journalist Basti Mgaloblishvili was fined for allegedly “blocking the road.” Footage published by the journalist shows that he was performing his professional duties, filming the events as they unfolded, and wearing a press badge. On June 6, the Ministry of Internal Affairs rejected the journalist’s appeal. He had submitted evidence confirming that he was carrying out his professional duties and covering the pro-European protest.
On February 17, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs fined Studio Monitori journalist Nino Tsverava 5,000 GEL for allegedly “blocking the road.” The journalist submitted evidence to the Ministry showing that she was performing her professional duties at the protest. The fine was later revoked.
On February 17, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs fined another Studio Monitori journalist, Nino Shubitidze, 5,000 GEL for allegedly “illegally blocking the road.” After evidence was submitted to the Ministry, her fine was also revoked.
On February 17, 2025, while covering a protest, Radio Liberty journalist Giorgi Diasamidze was also accused of blocking the road. He was informed of this by the Ministry of Internal Affairs on February 21. The Ministry stated that he had been fined 5,000 GEL for allegedly “blocking the road” near the Parliament building.
On February 14, 2025, Tabula journalist Beka Jikurashvili was also accused of blocking the road while performing his professional duties. According to Tabula, Jikurashvili was wearing a press badge and was carrying out his work responsibilities.
On February 2, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs fined Mtavari Arkhi TV journalist and host Natia Gogsadze. She is accused of blocking the road during a pro-European protest. According to information released by Mtavari Arkhi, Natia Gogsadze was informed about the fine over the phone. During the call, the exact amount of the fine was not specified.
On February 4, 2025, law enforcement authorities contacted Tabula journalist Nikoloz Chiraqadze and informed him that he had “violated traffic regulations” while on the capital’s central avenue on January 17, and would therefore have to undergo legal procedures. According to Tabula, the journalist was on Rustaveli Avenue performing his professional duties at the time.
April media photojournalist Vakho Kareli is being accused by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of “illegally blocking the road.” According to a Ministry representative, “it is an established fact” that Vakho Karel was present at Rustaveli Avenue on January 26. When the photojournalist responded that it was likely he was there because he is a journalist, the Ministry representative replied: “That’s something you need to prove — you must present the appropriate documentation, based on which the court will make a decision.”
Radio Liberty journalist Eka Kevanishvili is being accused by police of “blocking the road” on Rustaveli Avenue on January 22. On that day, Kevanishvili was filming a video with a cameraman. “She has already submitted documentation to the police confirming that she is indeed a Radio Liberty journalist and was carrying out an assignment from the editorial team that day. However, she has not yet received any notification on whether the legal proceedings against her have been terminated,” the Radio Liberty article states.
On January 4, 2025, Mtavari Arkhi journalist Aleksandre Sajaia was also accused of blocking the road while performing his professional duties.
Davit Kekenadze, a journalist for the international media corporation Euronews, was fined 5,000 GEL by Tbilisi City Court. Police accused him of blocking the road during a pro-European protest held on January 3.
Germane Salia, director of Poti-based Ninth Wave TV and co-chair of the Regional Broadcasters’ Alliance, was fined 1,000 GEL for driving during a protest march in Zugdidi. According to Salia, he was attending the march as a journalist to prepare coverage. Three days later, while driving from Poti to Zugdidi, he was stopped by patrol police and informed that his car had been listed as wanted in connection with the protest on December 13, 2024. Although he explained to police that he was performing his professional duties, the fine was still imposed.
On November 10, 2024, Radio Liberty journalist Salome Chaduneli was accused by police of “blocking the road” during a protest organized by the group Daitove.

Georgian Dream increased the amount of fines in the context of the pro-European protests that began after November 28. According to amendments made to Georgia’s Code of Administrative Offenses, the fine for illegally blocking a roadway has been increased tenfold — from 500 GEL to 5,000 GEL.

Formula TV Journalist Fined for ‘Artificially Blocking the Road’

Irakli Tabliashvili, journalist and TV host for “Formula,” is accused of “artificially blocking the road” on February 24, 2025. He was fined 5,000 lari. The journalist appealed the fine, but he has not been informed about the review of his case or its outcome.

Georgian Dream increased the amount of fines in the context of the pro-European protests that began after November 28. According to amendments made to Georgia’s Code of Administrative Offence, the fine for illegally blocking a roadway has been increased tenfold from 500 GEL to 5,000 GEL.

‘Radio Tbilisi’ Journalist Fined for ‘Artificially Blocking the Road’

Merab Merkviladze, a journalist for “Radio Tbilisi,” was fined twice, totaling 10,000 lari. The Ministry of Internal Affairs accuses him of “artificially blocking the road” on March 18 and 19. The journalist appealed the fines, but the case has not yet been reviewed.

Georgian Dream increased the amount of fines in the context of the pro-European protests that began after November 28. According to amendments made to Georgia’s Code of Administrative Offence, the fine for illegally blocking a roadway has been increased tenfold from 500 GEL to 5,000 GEL.

VOA Journalist Fined for ‘Artificially Blocking the Road’

On March 25, 2025, Nino Dalakishvili, a correspondent for Voice of America in Georgia, was fined 5,000 GEL for blocking the road.

Like other journalists, Dalakishvili is accused of “artificially blocking the road” while performing her professional duties—reporting live from the area near the Parliament building.

Photographer Goga Chanadiri was fined for 5,000 GEL for “artificially blocking the road”

On April 10, 2025, Judge Nino Enukidze fined photographer Goga Chanadiri 5,000 GEL for “artificially blocking the road.” Like other journalists, he is accused of blocking Rustaveli Avenue. At the time, Chanadiri was performing his professional duties.

Responding to the court’s decision on social media, Goga Chanadiri wrote that he had not missed this or nearly any other protest and had covered them in various ways. He considers the imposed fine to be unfair.

Journalists Summoned to Court Over Criticism of the Politicians on Social Media

On June 12, 2025, six journalists were summoned to Tbilisi City Court for expressing critical opinions about the politicians on social media. The journalists are Eka Mishveladze (TV Pirveli), Vika Bukia (TV Pirveli), Misha Mshvildadze (TV Formula), Dea Mamiseishvili (Mtavari Arkhi), Vakho Sanaia (TV Formula), and Nanuka Zhorzholiani (independent journalist). They were informed that they are being accused of “insulting Georgian Dream politicians” on Facebook.

Three of the six – Eka Mishveladze, Misha Mshvildadze, and Dea Mamiseishvili – were found guilty of administrative offenses by the court and fined. Mishvildadze and Mishveladze were each fined 4,000 GEL, while Mamiseishvili was fined 3,000 GEL.

Misha Mshvildadze was fined for a February 8 post about Georgian Dream parliamentary speaker Shalva Papuashvili. Dea Mamiseishvili received her fine for a February 25 post referencing Mamuka Mdinaradze, the party’s executive secretary. Eka Mishveladze was fined for a May 31 status about MP Mariam Lashkhi.

Nanuka Zhorzholiani is accused of “insulting” Georgian Dream MPs Tea Tsulukiani and Mariam Lashkhi. A decision in her case is expected on June 17. Vika Bukia is also being sued for allegedly insulting MP Mariam Lashkhi in a video she posted on May 13. Her case has been postponed until June 18. Vakho Sanaia’s case has also been postponed to June 18. He is accused of insulting Speaker Shalva Papuashvili and MPs Tea Tsulukiani and Irakli Zarkua. On June 20 it became known that Sanaia was fined 4,000 GEL.

In all six cases, the legal basis for the complaints is a newly enacted article 173^16 of the Administrative Offenses Code. This provision imposes liability for actions such as verbal insults, swearing, offensive slurs, or other abusive behavior directed at state-political officials, public servants, or equivalent individuals during or in connection with the performance of their official duties. Penalties range from a fine of 1,500 to 4,000 GEL or up to 45 days of imprisonment.

According to the Georgian Young Lawyers Association, posts published on social media, unless they contain a threat of real risk and are directed at politicians who have a high duty of tolerance, are protected by freedom of expression. “Any judicial interpretation made contrary to this standard would be a precedent for mass censorship,” the organization’s statement reads.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs Denies Appeal by Publika Journalist Basti Mgaloblishvili and Upholds Fine

On June 6, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) rejected the appeal of Publika journalist Basti Mgaloblishvili, which challenged a 5,000 GEL fine issued against him. The fine had been imposed for allegedly blocking Rustaveli Avenue.

The MIA fined Mgaloblishvili in February 2025. The journalist submitted evidence to the ministry showing he was performing his professional duties—reporting on a pro-European protest that began on the country’s main avenue in November 2024 and has continued uninterrupted to this day. Video footage recorded by Mgaloblishvili on the day the fine was issued confirms that he was carrying out journalistic work. Additionally, he was clearly wearing press identification in the footage. However, the MIA did not consider this sufficient to confirm his professional status.

In contrast, in another case, an MIA representative explained that journalist Mariam Kvashebaya was fined for blocking the road specifically because she was not wearing visible press credentials that would verify she was working in a professional capacity.

“MIA once again confirms that journalistic work on the street has become punishable. Against the backdrop of legislative and physical attacks on the media, this is a very dangerous precedent—where the Ministry decides where I can work, how I can work, and what qualifies as journalism and what does not. Sooner or later, MIA employees themselves will understand why undermining the media is dangerous,” wrote Basti Mgaloblishvili.

Since November 28, 2024, according to publicly available information, around 36 media representatives have been fined while carrying out their professional duties. Most of these cases are still under review. So far, the courts have found two journalists guilty of administrative violations and imposed fines on them.

Netgazeti Journalist Nino Baidauri Fined 5,000 GEL by Ministry of Internal Affairs

On June 4, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs fined Nino Baidauri, a journalist for the online outlet Netgazeti, 5,000 GEL. She is accused of blocking Rustaveli Avenue on March 21.

The journalist shared the news on Facebook, posting a screenshot of a text message sent by the Ministry:

“You have been fined under Article 174^1, Part 5. Date: 21/03/2025. Location: Tbilisi, Rustaveli Avenue, near the Parliament building.”

According to publicly available sources, the Center for Media, Information and Social Research (CMIS) has been documenting cases of journalists being fined for blocking roads while covering pro-European protests since November 28, 2024. Nino Baidauri is the 37th journalist fined by the Ministry for this reason.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs Fined ‘Netgazeti’ Journalist Nino Baiduri 5,000 GEL

On June 4, 2025, Nino Baiduri, a journalist for the online publication Netgazeti, was fined 5,000 GEL by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. She is accused of blocking Rustaveli Avenue on March 21.

The journalist wrote about the fine on the social media platform Facebook, attaching the short text message she received from the Ministry:

“You have been fined under Article 174, Paragraph 5. Date: 21/03/2025. Location: Tbilisi, Rustaveli Avenue, near the Parliament building.”

According to publicly available sources, the Media, Information, and Social Research Center (CMIS) has been documenting cases of journalists fined for blocking roads while covering pro-European protests, based on publicly accessible information, since November 28, 2024.

Formula TV Journalist Fined for Allegedly Blocking the Road

On March 17, 2025, Formula journalist Nano Chakvetadze was informed by police that she had been fined 5,000 GEL. She is accused of blocking the road on March 13. According to Formula, Chakvetadze was carrying out her professional duties on Rustaveli Avenue that day.

This is not the first time an independent media representative has been unlawfully fined while performing their journalistic work.