Journalists from “Adjara Times” and “Batumelebi” Obstructed from Performing Their Duties in Khelvachauri
On May 7, in Khelvachauri, Sulkhan Meskhidze, the founder of Adjara Times, and Lela Dumbadze, a journalist for Batumelebi, were obstructed from performing their professional duties, allegedly by public officials. The individuals verbally abused the journalists. According to the journalists, there were also threats and attempts at physical retaliation.
On May 1, Ekho Kavkaza, the Russian-language service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) which actively covered issues related to the Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, suspended its operations. The media outlet released a statement regarding the decision on May 3.
“TV Pirveli” views statements from the Prosecutor’s Office and “Georgian Dream” MPs as an attempt to pressure the investigative journalists of “Shabatis Eteri”
A report aired on April 25 by "TV Pirveli’s" investigative program, "Shabatis Eteri" (Saturday Broadcast), was followed by a series of statements directed against the television company. The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia accuses the station of spreading disinformation.
Pro-government/Propaganda television station “Imedi”
Persecution based on professional grounds
Incident Type:
Verbal attack→Discrediting
UK-Sanctioned Imedi TV Accuses Critical Outlet TV Pirveli of Manipulation
On April 24, TV Imedi a broadcaster sanctioned by the United Kingdom for spreading Russian disinformation published a social media post accusing the critical news outlet TV Pirveli of manipulation. The post concerns a report by TV Pirveli claiming that 60% of those granted Georgian citizenship in 2025 were Russian citizens.
Court Dismisses Mzia Amaghlobeli’s Lawsuit Against Irakli Kobakhidze
On April 24, Tbilisi City Court Judge Liana Kazhashvili dismissed the case filed by Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of Batumelebi/Netgazeti, against Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. Amaghlobeli, who is currently in custody, alleged that Kobakhidze’s televised statements constituted defamation, violated the presumption of innocence, and damaged her honor and dignity.
Attempt to Restrict Artist’s Work During Proceedings at Tbilisi City Court
Given the ban on photography, video, and audio recording in courtrooms, sketches produced by artists remain one of the few ways to visually document legal proceedings. Despite this, during the March 18 hearing for Anton Chechin, Sergei Kukharchuk, and Artyom Gribul, Judge Nato Khujadze attempted to restrict an artist’s work, directing that "faces should not be flaunted." After defense lawyers clarified that sketching is not prohibited—a point the prosecutor also conceded—the artist was allowed to continue working, though with the restriction that faces not be depicted.
