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.
Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili Threatened a “Publika” Journalist with a Ban on Taking Photos During the Court Hearing
On June 11, 2025, Tbilisi City Court Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili, who is presiding over the case of eight individuals arrested during a protest, threatened Mindia Gabadze, a journalist from the online outlet Publika, saying he would not be allowed to take photos at the next hearing. According to the journalist, the judge addressed him directly: "She called out to me just after announcing the end of the hearing, while I was quietly continuing to take photos," Gabadze wrote on social media.
Tbilisi City Court Once Again Closes Political Prisoners’ Trial to the Media
On June 11, 2025, Tbilisi City Court Judge Mikheil Jinjolia unexpectedly announced the closure of the court session during the trial of Giorgi Akhobadze, who was arrested at a protest. Journalists were once again forced to leave the courtroom without any explanation, including those who had been granted permission to film the proceedings.
On June 11, 2025, it was announced that the online outlet Tabula would no longer be able to receive a £50,000 grant from the UK government, which it had won through a competitive selection process.
