Tbilisi City Court Judge Giorgi Arevadze hampered media representatives’ work
According to journalists, the trial was held in a hall divided by a glass door and window, the voices of the speakers could not reach beyond the dividing wall, which is why media representatives asked the judge to place microphones inside, but the judge did not allow them to do so.
Mzia Amaglobeili, Founder of “Netgazeti” and “Batumelebi,” Fined for the Second Time for Posting a Sticker
On June 18, 2025, Marina Fomaeva, a judge at Batumi City Court, found Mzia Amaglobeili—founder of the outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti—guilty of an administrative offense and fined her 1,000 GEL for posting a protest sticker.
TV host Vika Bukia fined 4,000 GEL for a comment made on social media
On June 18, 2025, Tbilisi City Court Judge Davit Tetraul fined “TV Pirveli” host Vika Bukia 4,000 GEL for a critical comment she posted on social media directed at a Georgian Dream MP.
“Formula” Journalist Fined 5,000 GEL for “Blocking the Road”
Formula TV journalist Anamaria Gelitashvili was fined 5,000 GEL for “artificially blocking the road” on Rustaveli Avenue while performing her professional duties. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) informed her of the fine on June 17, 2025. She is being accused of obstructing the road during the protest held on May 6.
Georgian Journalist Fined for ‘Blocking Road’ While Covering Protest
Since November 28, 2024, during the ongoing pro-European protests in Georgia, journalists have repeatedly faced attacks and unlawful restrictions. There have been numerous cases of media workers being unjustly sanctioned while performing their professional duties — including fines for allegedly blocking roads while reporting on the protests, often without any legitimate basis.
Legislative Changes Increase Regulator’s Control Over Broadcasters
On June 10, 2025, the single party parliament adopted a legislative package in a fast-tracked first reading that introduced changes, including to the Law on Broadcasting. Under these changes, the Communications Commission was granted the authority to request confidential information about broadcasters from banks through the court system. A new chapter was added to the Administrative Procedures Code Of Georgia to reflect this amendment.
On June 12, Parliament passed amendments to the "Law on Grants" in the third reading with 84 votes. The amendments broaden the definition of a grant to include technical and expert assistance, knowledge sharing, and other similar types of contributions.
