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.
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
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.
Mzia Amaglobeili to Remain in Custody Despite Health Concerns
On June 23, 2025, a court hearing was held at the Batumi City Court for Mzia Amaglobeili, founder of the online outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti. In addition to the questioning of witnesses, the court also considered a motion to change the preventive measure of detention. However, the judge decided to keep Mzia Amaglobeili in custody.
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.
