On May 30, 2025, for the third time, journalists were restricted from entering the Tbilisi City Court building with their equipment and carrying out their work. Journalists who did not have prior permission to report from inside the courtroom were not allowed into the building, even though such prior permission is not required for journalists to work outside the courtroom.

Today, the court was reviewing the case of opposition political leader Nika Melia, who is being prosecuted for failing to appear before a parliamentary investigative commission.

According to journalists, correspondents carrying photo and/or video equipment were not allowed to enter the courtroom; only those without any recording gear were permitted to attend the hearing.

The court’s press office said the restrictions were related to security measures:
“Due to security concerns, there are restrictions today. Only media outlets that have been granted access to directly cover the proceedings will be allowed into the court building. We cannot provide any further information.”