Azerbaijani Journalist Afghan Sadygov Detained, Fined, and Expelled from Georgia
On the night of April 4, 2026, Azerbaijani journalist Afghan Sadygov was detained in Georgia. Information regarding his arrest was initially released by his wife, who published surveillance footage showing law enforcement officers attempting to cut through the door of Sadygov’s home.
Georgian Dream Parliament Speaker Attacks and Threatens Independent Online Media Outlets Again
On April 2, 2026, during a briefing held in Parliament, the Speaker of the Parliament from "Georgian Dream," Shalva Papuashvili, referred to online outlets Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Tabula, Publika, and Netgazeti as "foreign-funded party propaganda groups." He accused them of interfering in the activities of the Holy Synod of the Georgian Patriarchate and threatened them with "consequences."
Administrative body | Special Penitentiary Service
Persecution based on professional grounds
Incident Type:
Legal incident→Legal persecution
“Parole Board” Denies Early Release for Mzia Amaghlobeli
The "Parole Board" (the Local Council of the Special Penitentiary Service for the Review of Convicts' Cases) has denied the early release of prisoner Mzia Amaghlobeli, the founder of the publications Batumelebi and Netgazeti.
Tbilisi City Court Dismisses TV Pirveli Journalists’ Lawsuit Against Pro-Government POSTV
Tbilisi City Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by TV Pirveli journalists Nanuka Kajaia, Natalia Kajaia, and Mariam Gaprindashvili against the pro-government outlet POSTV. The journalists sued POSTV for defamation following reports alleging they received $30,000 salaries from Temur Chkonia, the businessman and founder of Coca-Cola.
Pro-government/Propaganda television station “POSTV”
Persecution based on professional grounds
Incident Type:
Verbal attack→Discrediting
Pro-Government POSTV Host Liza Gegechkori Attempts to Discredit Journalist Maka Andronikashvili
Liza Gegechkori, a host for the pro-government outlet POSTV—which has been sanctioned by Britain for spreading Russian propaganda—is attempting to discredit TV Pirveli investigative journalist Maka Andronikashvili. The individual, who is closely affiliated with "Georgian Dream," is spreading disinformation claiming that Maka Andronikashvili changed her last name:
Pro-government/Propaganda television station “POSTV” | Shalva Ramishvili
Persecution for expressing critical position
Incident Type:
Verbal attack→Discrediting
Pro-Government POSTV Director Shalva Ramishvili Attempts to Discredit Journalist Vika Bukia
Shalva Ramishvili, the director and host of the pro-government outlet POSTV—which has been sanctioned by Britain for spreading Russian propaganda—is attempting to disparage TV Pirveli journalist Vika Bukia based on her geographical background.
Facebook Page Affiliated with “Georgian Dream” Discredits Independent Journalists
A Facebook page titled "Media," which is affiliated with the "Georgian Dream" party, is actively discrediting independent journalists. On April 1, the page published a poster featuring journalists from TV Pirveli, Mtavari Arkhi, and Formula, accompanied by the caption: "Happy Professional Day—April 1st." (In Georgian society, April 1st is associated with lying and is considered April Fools' Day).A Facebook page titled "Media," which is affiliated with the "Georgian Dream" party, is actively discrediting independent journalists. On April 1, the page published a poster featuring journalists from TV Pirveli, Mtavari Arkhi, and Formula, accompanied by the caption: "Happy Professional Day—April 1st." (In Georgian society, April 1st is associated with lying and is considered April Fools' Day).
“Mtis Ambebi” Film Crew Obstructed and Threatened with Death
The film crew of the online publication Mtis Ambebi was unlawfully obstructed while working in the village of Tskere, in the Khada Gorge. Under threats of violence and death, the journalists were forced to stop filming and leave the village.
MIA Accuses Netgazeti Journalist of “Artificially Blocking the Road”
Netgazeti journalist Keti Khutsishvili provided CMIS with information regarding two fines issued against her. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) fined Khutsishvili a total of 10,000 GEL for "artificially blocking the road"—the first instance occurring on April 2, 2025, and the second on June 13, 2025. The journalist has appealed both fines, which are currently under review.
“Standing on the Sidewalk” and “Blocking the Road” Cases Against RFE/RL Camera Operator
On September 4, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs fined Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) camera operator Zuka Khidasheli 5,000 GEL for "blocking the road." Khidasheli has appealed the fine.
