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.
Legislative Amendments Related to Non-Recognition of the Constitutional Order
During the second reading of the “Grants Law” at the Legal Affairs Committee of the Georgian Dream parliamentary faction, it was revealed that the Criminal Code will include provisions related to non-recognition of the authorities. The planned amendments pose a threat to freedom of expression and media activity.
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.
Pro-government/Propaganda television station “POSTV”
Persecution for expressing critical position
Incident Type:
DiscreditingVerbal attack
Attempt to Discredit Journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani
On February 12, POST TV Analitika disseminated visual material about journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani via social media, aimed at damaging her professional reputation and discrediting her. The content and format of the material contain degrading messages that go beyond the standards of expression permissible within the bounds of public interest and indicate an attempt to discredit the journalist.
Attack on propertySeizure or confiscation of equipment
A Journalist from the Online Outlet “Publika” Was Obstructed While Performing Professional Duties
On February 11, 2026, in Tbilisi, at the Paragraph Hotel, during an event organized by the Iranian Embassy to mark the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, unknown individuals obstructed a journalist from the online outlet “Publika” while performing their professional duties. A man dressed in traditional attire seized the journalist’s phone and threw it, then forced them to delete the recorded material. To ensure the journalist had complied, the individuals accessed their personal information without permission, including private photos, videos, and mobile applications. According to the outlet, the journalist’s press ID and personal identification were also confiscated, and photos were taken of both the journalist and the documents.
The Tbilisi Court of Appeals Rejected the Lawsuit of Former “Moambe” Presenter Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani
The Tbilisi Court of Appeals did not uphold the claim of Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, a journalist at the Public Broadcaster’s Channel One and former presenter of “Moambe,” in which he sought to have the first-instance court’s decision regarding his dismissal declared invalid.
An Unknown Individual Threatened Journalists Mindia Gabadze and Mariam Nikuradze with Physical Violence
On the night of February 9, 2026, after the conclusion of an ongoing protest in Tbilisi, an unidentified individual threatened representatives of independent media with physical violence Mindia Gabadze, a journalist with the publication “Publika,” and Mariam Nikuradze, founder of OC Media.
“Georgian Dream” MP Tea Tsulukiani Insults Journalist Nanuka Jorjoliani and Attempts to Discredit Her
Former Georgian Minister of Culture and Justice and current “Georgian Dream” MP Tea Tsulukiani insulted television host Nanuka Jorjoliani and attempted to discredit her using a doctored photo.
Court of Appeals Upholds Fine Against Journalist Vika Bukia for Social Media Post
The Tbilisi Court of Appeals upheld the 4,000-lari fine imposed on “TV Pirveli” journalist and television host Vika Bukia by the Tbilisi City Court for calling “Georgian Dream” MP Mariam Lashkhi a “slave” on Facebook.
“Georgian Dream” and Its Supportive Media Are Discrediting the Independent Outlet “Publika”
The Prime Minister of “Georgian Dream,” Irakli Kobakhidze, and the Mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze, are attempting to discredit the independent outlet “Publika” following its receipt of a European Union prize. Their narrative has been echoed by media organizations supportive of “Georgian Dream,” including Imedi TV, Rustavi 2, and POSTV.
