The Revenue Service has imposed a lien on the bank accounts of Batumelebi
On July 21, 2025, it was announced that Georgia's Revenue Service had frozen the bank accounts of the media outlet Batumelebi. According to the organization, while the official reason given was debt, they believe the true intention is to shut down the media outlet.
The Minister of Education insulted journalists in response to a critical question
On July 17, 2025, Givi Mikanadze, Minister of Education, Science, and Youth of the ruling Georgian Dream party, called journalists “ridiculous” and “pathetic” in response to a question about his doctoral degree.
“Georgian Dream” Prime Minister Spreads Disinformation Against Nodar Meladze
On July 15, 2025, "Georgian Dream" Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused Nodar Meladze, head of the news service of independent broadcaster "TV Pirveli," of being "financed by specific individuals." According to the disinformation statement: "There are specific people who some think are 'Nationals' and in reality they are financed by specific persons who were suspected of corruption and who had to leave the team... Nodar Meladze, who receives directives from this specific group suspected of corruption regarding the dissemination of specific information."
On July 14, 2025, "Georgian Dream" Executive Secretary Mamuka Mdinaradze accused "TV Pirveli" news service head Nodar Meladze of "agency speculation." "This question serves your agency speculation, in connection with blaming others for your crime" - Mamuka Mdinaradze told the journalist.
Judge Moved Mzia Amaghlobeli’s Court Proceedings to Smaller Courtroom
On July 14, 2025, Judge Nino Sakhelashvili moved the court proceedings of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, who is in illegal imprisonment, to a smaller courtroom. According to information from online media "Batumelebi," the judge made the decision after, according to her, shouts could be heard from the street in the courtroom - "Freedom for Mzia! Freedom for political prisoners!" According to the online media's information, a large part of those wishing to attend the court session could not enter the proceedings, among them were members of Mzia Amaghlobeli's family, colleagues, and representatives of the diplomatic corps.
Attack on propertySeizure or confiscation of equipment
High-Ranking Police Official Locked “TV Pirveli” Journalist in Office and Seized Equipment
On July 12, 2025, TV company "TV Pirveli" aired a journalistic investigation that concerned police officers whom "Georgian Dream" allegedly uses against prisoners of conscience and the benefits these police officers receive in return. The story covered police officer Bidzina Zhamerashvili, whose father, according to the investigation, had been arrested on theft charges.
“Georgian Dream” Government Leader Continues Discrediting Prisoner of Conscience Mzia Amaghlobeli
On July 10, 2025, "Georgian Dream" Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused the founder of "Batumelebi/Netgazeti," Mzia Amaghlobeli, of fulfilling a "specific order" and "humiliating and insulting" the police.
Pro-government/Propaganda television station “Imedi”
Persecution for expressing critical position
Incident Type:
DiscreditingVerbal attack
Media Platform “ChaiKhana” Becomes Target of Disinformation Attack
On July 10, 2025, disinformation was spread against media platform "ChaiKhana" on the broadcast of "Imedi," a broadcaster supporting "Georgian Dream." Specifically, the discussion was about "ChaiKhana" receiving 532,117 euros from the European Commission. Media platform "ChaiKhana" issued a statement that the story aired on "Imedi" does not correspond to the truth.
Judge Completely Closed Court Proceedings Due to Photo Distribution
On July 10, 2025, due to the distribution of photos from the courtroom, Judge Nino Galustashvili closed the Lomidze-Zasokhashvili trial and had everyone present, including journalists, leave the courtroom.
