Media Not Allowed into Public Session at Samtskhe-Javakheti State Administration
On May 8, 2025, the media was not allowed into a public session at the Samtskhe-Javakheti State Administration, where the new governor was being introduced. This information was reported by TOK2Region.
At the “Georgian Dream” party congress, online media was not allowed
On May 7, 2025, online media was restricted from covering the "Georgian Dream" congress. The official reason given was the limited number of available seats.
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.
“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.
Interference with professional duties | Persecution based on professional grounds
Incident Type:
FinesLegal incident
“Mauqceblis” Journalist Fined for “Artificially Blocking the Road”
On April 8, 2025, “Mauqceblis” journalist Tozu Gulmamedova was notified of a fine. The Ministry of Internal Affairs accuses her of “artificially blocking the road” on February 16 of the same year.
OC Media founder and photographer Mariam Nikuradze was fined four times for “artificially blocking the road” for a total of 20,000 lari
The Ministry of Internal Affairs fined OC Media founder and photographer Mariam Nikuradze four times on the grounds of “artificially blocking the road” — on March 11, March 15, and April 2 and 3. In total, the journalist has been fined 20,000 lari.
Journalists Repeatedly Face Restrictions on Access to Georgia’s Parliament
On February 4, 2025, the Parliament of Georgia imposed a “Yellow” (elevated) security level that restricted journalists’ access to the parliamentary building.
Shalva Papuashvili threatens the independent online media outlet Publika
On February 1, Shalva Papuashvili, leader of the Georgian Dream party, accused the online publication Publika of announcing the commission of a criminal offense.
Damage to equipmentPhysical injuryProhibition on filming
At a peaceful protest near Tbilisi Mall 11 journalists were unlawfully prevented from doing their jobs
On February 2, during a peaceful protest held near "Tbilisi Mall," 10 media representatives were unlawfully obstructed from carrying out their professional duties. Some journalists sustained physical injuries.
The Prime Minister threatened to expel a journalist from the briefing for asking critical questions
On December 8, 2024, during a press conference at the Government Administration, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze used offensive language toward Telara Gelantia, a journalist and editor from "BMG," for asking critical questions.
