Founder of “Netgazeti” and “Batumelebi” Mzia Amaghlobeli Remains in Custody
On April 28, 2025, Batumi City Court ruled to keep Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of the online outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, in pretrial detention. The decision was announced by Judge Nino Sakhelashvili.
Former Employees of “First Channel” Barred from Attending Public Broadcaster’s Board Meeting
On April 29, 2025, a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Georgian Public Broadcaster was held. In accordance with existing procedures, Nino Zautashvili, Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, Giga Kitia, and Giorgi Iasashvili submitted written requests to attend the session. However, the board denied them access. Nino Zautashvili shared this information in a social media post.
Irina Makaridze was fined for 5,000 lari for “artificially blocking the road”
On April 25, 2025, journalist Irina Makaridze was notified that she had been fined 5,000 lari for “artificially blocking the road” on April 6. According to the journalist, she was on Rustaveli Avenue covering the protest for “Qronika+.” After appealing, Makaridze’s fine was canceled.
Georgian Public Broadcaster imposes Disciplinary Sanctions on Three More Employees
On April 17, 2025, the management of the First Channel of the Georgian Public Broadcaster imposed disciplinary sanctions on three employees who have criticized the channel's editorial policy, which they allege is biased in favor of the government. The employees are: Realuri Sivrtse (Real Space) editor Tukha Kvinikadze, executive producer of the Weekend Show Tamar Chincharauli, and Weekend Show correspondent Ana Abakelia. The disciplinary orders were signed by the broadcaster's director, Tinatin Berdzenishvili.
On April 17, 2025, TV channel Trialeti—journalist Shorena Bichikashvili and cameraman Soso Mchedlishvili—was attacked by a local resident in the village of Adzvi, located near the occupation line. The attacker verbally and physically assaulted them while they were performing their professional duties.
Journalist from “Indigo” Fined 2,500 GEL by the Court
On April 17, 2025, Indigo journalist Saba Sordia was fined 2,500 GEL by Tbilisi City Court Judge Zviad Tsekvava. The journalist had been charged with disobedience to police.
“Tabula” Journalist Luka Luka Katsitadze, Fined 5,000 GEL
On April 12, 2025, Luka Katsitadze, a journalist for “Tabula,” was fined 5,000 lari for “artificially blocking the road.” According to “Tabula,” Katsitadze was performing his professional duties on Rustaveli Avenue.
