A high-ranking police officer locked a ‘TV Pirveli’ journalist in his office and confiscated their equipment
On July 12, 2025, a journalistic investigation aired on the television channel “TV Pirveli”, concerning police officers whom “Georgian Dream” allegedly uses against prisoners of conscience, and the benefits these police officers receive in return. The report covered police officer Bidzina Zhamerashvili, whose father, according to the investigation, had been detained for theft.
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.
The head of the Georgian Dream government continues to discredit Mazia Amaghlobeli, a prisoner of conscience
On July 10, 2025, the Prime Minister of “Georgian Dream,” Irakli Kobakhidze, accused Mazia Amaghlobeli, the founder of “Batumelebi/Netgazeti,” of carrying out a “specific assignment” and of “demeaning and insulting” the police.
“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.
Irakli Kobakhidze is attempting to discredit the dependent media outlets ‘TV Pirveli’ and ‘Formula’
On July 8, 2025, the Prime Minister of the Georgian Dream government, Irakli Kobakhidze, attempted to discredit independent broadcasters “TV Pirveli” and “Formula.” He made comments to the media regarding the alleged suicide attempt of former Chairman of the Adjara Government, Tornike Rijvadze, according to the official investigation. In his statement, he “generally” linked the incident to oppositional television channels and accused critical TV stations of “slander” and “spreading hatred.”
According to the Communications Commission, TV Pirveli, Mtavari Arkhi, and Formula have violated the law
On July 3, 2025, the Communications Commission found TV companies "TV Pirveli", "Mtavari Arkhi" and "Formula" to be violators of the law. The case concerns a complaint by "Georgian Dream" against the television stations. The party appealed to the commission on June 1 and complained about terms such as: "illegitimate parliament", "oligarch's regime", "regime prisoners", "illegitimate government", "clan's court" and others. The complaints submitted by "Georgian Dream" are based on amendments to Georgia's Law on Broadcasting. These amendments were approved by parliament on April 1, as a result of which the Communications Commission's powers were expanded.
The new regulations, which came into force immediately upon publication, prohibit photo and video recording by the media during court hearings. As a result of the changes, recording is also restricted both inside court buildings and in the courtyards and hallways. These amendments fundamentally changed the rules for covering court proceedings
