The research prepared by the “Center for Media, Information, and Social Research” – “Journalists’ Safety Before the 2024 Elections” reviews the state of Georgian media during the pre-election period. According to the study, free media is working against a backdrop of increasing threats during the pre-election period. The results of the research highlight the severe experiences that representatives of media outlets have faced over the past six months.
Journalists participating in the study report experiences of intimidation, surveillance, discreditation, information restriction, and attacks. A significant portion of the report is dedicated to the ongoing events related to the discussion of the “Transparency of Foreign Influence” law, commonly referred to as the “Foreign Agents” law.
The research revealed:
▪︎ Of the 93 respondents surveyed, 42% say they feel very vulnerable, while 38% felt insecure while covering demonstrations. 61% of respondents reported that over the past six months, they or their colleagues experienced harassment from the police/special forces. 42% of respondents or their colleagues faced physical attacks. 39% of respondents or their colleagues also experienced surveillance. 30% of respondents stated that their or their colleagues’ personal property was damaged, while 18% reported that they or their colleagues experienced stalking.
▪︎ Participants in the study believe they are constantly under covert surveillance, as well as regularly subjected to disinformation campaigns. 54% of respondents reported being targets of disinformation campaigns themselves or their colleagues. 39% of respondents mentioned surveillance via mobile phones, 25% reported experiences of hacking, and 24% indicated they were targets of cyberattacks.
▪︎ 82% of respondents identified receiving comments during the survey as a problem. 79% of respondents mentioned experiencing restrictions on access to public information, while 61% reported restrictions on entering public institutions.
▪︎ In relation to the “Foreign Agents” law, 65% of respondents consider themselves very vulnerable, while 23% feel vulnerable.
▪︎ 78% of surveyed respondents reported experiences of insults/hate speech, with 56% stating they had similar experiences themselves and with their colleagues. 52% reported experiencing intimidation/threats in the digital space. Verbal intimidation/threats were mentioned by 44% of respondents.
You can view the full report here:
The project “Quality Media and Conscious Media Consumption for Sustainable Development in Society” (ConMeCo) is implemented by Deutsche Welle Academy in cooperation with the Media Development Foundation and the Human Rights Center, with financial support from the European Union and co-funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany.