Another Legislative Initiative by Georgian Dream Against Freedom of Speech and Expression
On June 18, Georgian Dream initiated amendments to the Law on Freedom of Speech and Expression, which were reviewed by Parliament under an accelerated procedure. On June 26, Parliament unanimously passed sweeping restrictions on freedom of speech and expression. These amendments are a continuation of more than ten legislative changes introduced by Georgian Dream that either restrict previously existing human rights standards or impose stricter sanctions for various types of violations.
Amendments to the Organic Law on Common Courts Restrict Transparency of Court Proceedings
On June 18, Parliament initiated amendments to the Organic Law on Common Courts, which were reviewed under an accelerated procedure and approved in the third reading on June 26. Among the changes is a ban on photo and video recording by the media during court hearings. The amendments fundamentally alter the rules for media coverage of court proceedings and, in effect, make it nearly impossible for journalists to report on them. The new regulations restrict recording not only inside courtrooms but also in court yards and hallways.
Police Attempted to Take Journalist Nino Kodalashvili for Questioning Against Her Will
On June 23, 2023, in Tbilisi, poet and activist Zviad Ratiani was arrested on charges of assaulting a police officer. The arrest was witnessed by Nino Kodalashvili, a journalist from the TV company Kavkasia, who filmed the arrest using her personal mobile phone—something law enforcement officers also noticed.
Photographers Denied Access to Court by Judge Eka Barbakadze
On June 21, 2025, a court hearing was held at Tbilisi City Court in the case of activist Nino Datashvili, related to a criminal investigation stemming from an incident that took place at the court building on May 9 of this year.
Tbilisi City Court Judge Giorgi Arevadze hampered media representatives’ work
According to journalists, the trial was held in a hall divided by a glass door and window, the voices of the speakers could not reach beyond the dividing wall, which is why media representatives asked the judge to place microphones inside, but the judge did not allow them to do so.
Mzia Amaglobeili, Founder of “Netgazeti” and “Batumelebi,” Fined for the Second Time for Posting a Sticker
On June 18, 2025, Marina Fomaeva, a judge at Batumi City Court, found Mzia Amaglobeili—founder of the outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti—guilty of an administrative offense and fined her 1,000 GEL for posting a protest sticker.
TV host Vika Bukia fined 4,000 GEL for a comment made on social media
On June 18, 2025, Tbilisi City Court Judge Davit Tetraul fined “TV Pirveli” host Vika Bukia 4,000 GEL for a critical comment she posted on social media directed at a Georgian Dream MP.
“Formula” Journalist Fined 5,000 GEL for “Blocking the Road”
Formula TV journalist Anamaria Gelitashvili was fined 5,000 GEL for “artificially blocking the road” on Rustaveli Avenue while performing her professional duties. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) informed her of the fine on June 17, 2025. She is being accused of obstructing the road during the protest held on May 6.
