Changes to the One-Time Special Accreditation Procedure in Parliament and Its Impact on Media Activity
From January 1, 2026, a new rule for issuing one-time special accreditation came into effect, according to which the head of the apparatus makes a decision on granting special accreditation no later than 5 working days from the submission of the application. The one-time special accreditation is a mechanism that allows journalists who do not hold parliamentary accreditation to enter the Parliament of Georgia and carry out their professional activities for a specific purpose.
The Communications Commission Initiated Administrative Proceedings Against TV Company “Caucasus” Over Donations Received from the USA
According to Nino Jangirashvili, head of TV company “Caucasus,” the Communications Commission has initiated administrative proceedings against the broadcaster on the basis of an individual donation received from the USA. At the Commission’s request, the broadcaster must provide detailed information about the received funds and the corresponding documentation within 3 working days.
Pro-government/Propaganda television station “POSTV”
Persecution for expressing critical position
Incident Type:
Verbal attack→Discrediting
Attempt to Discredit Journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani
On February 12, POST TV Analitika disseminated visual material about journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani via social media, aimed at damaging her professional reputation and discrediting her. The content and format of the material contain degrading messages that go beyond the standards of expression permissible within the bounds of public interest and indicate an attempt to discredit the journalist.
Interference→Prohibition on filming · Attack on property→Seizure or confiscation of equipment
A Journalist from the Online Outlet “Publika” Was Obstructed While Performing Professional Duties
On February 11, 2026, in Tbilisi, at the Paragraph Hotel, during an event organized by the Iranian Embassy to mark the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, unknown individuals obstructed a journalist from the online outlet “Publika” while performing their professional duties. A man dressed in traditional attire seized the journalist’s phone and threw it, then forced them to delete the recorded material. To ensure the journalist had complied, the individuals accessed their personal information without permission, including private photos, videos, and mobile applications. According to the outlet, the journalist’s press ID and personal identification were also confiscated, and photos were taken of both the journalist and the documents.
The “State Security Committee” of Occupied Tskhinvali Publishes Personal Data of Former Voice of America Journalist
The so-called State Security Committee of the Tskhinvali region, occupied by the Russian Federation, has published the personal data of former Voice of America correspondent Nino Dalakishvili.
An official | Chair of the Parliament of Georgia | Chair of the Parliament of Georgia
Persecution based on professional grounds
Incident Type:
Verbal attack→Discrediting
Shalva Papuashvili Continues to Discredit Independent Online Media
The Chair of Parliament from “Georgian Dream,” Shalva Papuashvili, has once again engaged in discrediting independent online media, first on the air of TV company “Imedi,” and later on his personal social media page.
Persecution based on professional grounds | Persecution for expressing critical position | Risk of media outlet closure
Incident Type:
Legal incident→Laws Restricting Media Freedom
“Georgian Dream” Announces New Repressive Legislative Amendments
On 28 January, following a meeting of the parliamentary majority of Georgian Dream, it was announced that the party intends to initiate a new legislative package during the spring session. The package will include amendments to the Law on Grants, the Criminal Code, the Code of Administrative Offences, and the Law on Political Associations of Citizens.
Law enforcement | სამართალდამცველი | სამართალდამცველი
Interference with professional duties
Incident Type:
Attack on property→Damage to equipment · Verbal attack→Intimidation/Threats · Administrative Offense / Legal Practice→Verbal warning · Interference · Legal incident
Formula Journalist Obstructed on Duty, Phone Confiscated and Footage Deleted, Threatened with Arrest
On January 26, 2026, Formula TV journalist Nano Chakvetadze had her phone confiscated, the footage recorded on site was deleted, and she was threatened with arrest.
