Following the amendments passed in June 2025, which prohibited the media from taking photos, filming videos, or making audio recordings inside court buildings and courtyards, journalists have repeatedly applied to the High Council of Justice for filming permits, but to no avail. According to the law, the High Council of Justice is the body authorized to grant such permissions.

For instance, on March 2, Publika journalist Natia Amiranashvili wrote that since the ban took effect, the outlet’s journalists have submitted approximately 20 applications to the High Council of Justice. However, they have received no response, not even regarding whether their applications contained any formal errors. According to Amiranashvili, they received a reply only once—an notification stating that applications should not be sent via email but must be physically delivered to the High Council of Justice. She noted that they complied with this requirement, yet still received no further response. Such restrictions mean that the media is unable to photograph, film, or record court proceedings, including those of high public interest.

Since “Georgian Dream” passed this restrictive media law last year, the High Council of Justice has granted permission to film a court hearing in only one instance. The “Georgian Dream”-controlled television stations Imedi and the Public Broadcaster received the right to film the trial of businessman Giorgi Bachiashvili, who is considered a “personal prisoner” of Bidzina Ivanishvili.