Tbilisi

Incidents documented against civil activists – April 2025

Context

The incidents documented in April 2025 show that the practice of pressure against civil activists continues to retain a systemic character and manifests in various forms. The incidents recorded during the reporting period relate to administrative detentions, physical violence, investigative actions, restrictions on the freedoms of assembly and expression, as well as alleged discriminatory decisions connected to professional activity.

A significant part of the cases remains linked to protest activity and the public expression of a pro-European position. At the same time, in a number of cases, there are indications of disproportionate interference by law enforcement bodies, including in the context of detentions, the use of force and the dispersal of protest assemblies.

During the reporting period, particular attention should be paid to investigative actions carried out in the homes of activists and representatives of foundations and human rights organizations, as well as cases of dismissal of persons employed in the public sector, which, according to the victims themselves, were linked to their civic activism.

Incidents:

On 1 April 2025, Luka Kintsurashvili, an active participant in pro-European protests, was detained by police under administrative procedure late at night. According to Tamta Mikeladze, Director of the Social Justice Center, the activist was stopped at 20:00 on Vazha-Pshavela Avenue and was asked to show the contents of Telegram on his phone. Kintsurashvili refused to do so. After that, police took Kintsurashvili’s phone and detained him.

On 8 April 2025, late at night, during a protest on Rustaveli Avenue, police detained three activists — Vato Samkharadze, Rezi Dumbadze and Tazo Kveselava — under administrative procedure. The Ministry of Internal Affairs charged them under Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences, concerning petty hooliganism and failure to comply with a lawful order of a police officer. According to lawyer Giorgi Tabatadze, detained activist Vato Samkharadze had a split lip and redness on his face. According to the lawyer, the activist sustained the physical injuries during his detention by police. As for the second detainee, Rezi Dumbadze, a police officer allegedly threatened and verbally insulted him.

On 9 April 2025, according to local activists, police did not allow citizens gathered near the 9 April Memorial in Zugdidi to express their protest and dispersed the assembly by force. Droa activist Mariam Sichinava wrote that one citizen was injured during the dispersal and had to be transferred to hospital. It appears that after the activists were removed from the area, representatives of the local authorities arrived at the 9 April Memorial.

On 12 April 2025, according to Batumi-based activist Tsiala Katamidze, the Ministry of Defence dismissed her from the position of reservist of the National Guard, a position she had held since 2022. According to the former reservist of the Defence Battalion of the National Guard of the Defence Forces, the reason for her dismissal was political and was linked to ongoing developments in the country.

On 14 April 2025, activist Lekso Samkharadze wrote on social media that unknown individuals attacked and physically assaulted him and his friend in Freedom Square. According to the activist, the attackers struck him with a sharp object in the area of the back and crown of his head, as a result of which he sustained multiple head injuries. As for Levan Kanchaveli, Samkharadze wrote that unknown individuals fractured his skull, requiring Kanchaveli to undergo surgery. In an interview with TV Pirveli, Levan Kanchaveli stated that the group attack was allegedly linked to his participation in pro-European protests.

On 14 April 2025, Transparency International Georgia issued a statement saying that Georgian Dream had dismissed up to 700 employees from dozens of public institutions with the aim of suppressing the protest wave in the country.

TI wrote that, under the pretext of reorganization, expiry of employment contracts or other formal grounds, employees were dismissed after signing protest statements concerning the suspension of European integration or after openly expressing critical views regarding the government’s policies.

Transparency International Georgia considers that, through four amendments made to the Law on Public Service since December 2024, Georgian Dream has significantly weakened the legal protection of civil servants and, in effect, dismantled the public service reform. The organization notes that the public service reform had been implemented for years with the support of international organizations and was one of the essential preconditions for the country’s integration into European structures.

On 16 April 2025, Gela Khasaia, a member of Girchi — More Freedom and a political activist, was sentenced by a judge of Tbilisi City Court to 12 days of administrative detention. Khasaia was accused of resisting police officers on 31 March; however, according to TV Pirveli, uninterrupted footage disseminated publicly shows that the activist followed the police voluntarily, without resistance.

On 21 April 2025, on Rustaveli Avenue, where participants in the pro-European protest were marking Easter together, police detained two persons. According to publicly available information, the detainees were Giorgi Ortoidze and Giorgi Samkharadze. One of the protest participants also published a video of the incident on Facebook. According to that participant, law enforcement officers detained the activists only because they were congratulating people on Easter.

On 29 April 2025, Tbilisi Court of Appeal refused to grant refugee status to Batumi flag-bearer Temur Katamadze. Temur Katamadze had requested that he be granted refugee status, as well as humanitarian or subsidiary protection status.

On 29 April 2025, employees of the Prosecutor’s Office conducted searches in the residential apartments of Nanuka Zhorzholiani, founder of the Nanuka Fund; her daughter, activist Mariam Geguchadze; activist Mariam Bajelidze; Aleko Tskitishvili, Head of the Human Rights Center; and Guga Kheladze, founder of the fund “For Each Other 24/7”. According to information disseminated by the Prosecutor’s Office, the searches were conducted within the framework of an investigation launched under Article 318 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, concerning sabotage. According to information disseminated by GYLA, lawyers were not given a full opportunity to attend the search procedures, and the court orders were general in nature: they did not specify the list of items, objects or materials to be discovered or seized during the searches.

The investigation in this case is being conducted on the basis of a complaint filed by Vato Shakarishvili’s organization, United Neutral Georgia.

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association responded by statement to the search-and-seizure operations carried out on 29 April in the homes of representatives of foundations. According to the organization, the morning search-and-seizure operations constituted another manifestation of Georgian Dream’s terror and, even under the presumption of an objectively conducted investigation, could not be assessed as an appropriate investigative measure.

Incidents documented against civil activists – April 2024

Context

Monitoring conducted in April 2024 showed a significant escalation of violations against civil activists in Georgia. This period coincided with the re-initiation of the so-called “Russian law”, which triggered large-scale, continuous and intensive protests in various cities across the country, particularly in Tbilisi.

A significant number of the incidents documented in April were linked to peaceful assemblies, protest marches and demonstrations. In most cases, law enforcement bodies were involved, indicating a broader trend of state control over civic space and restrictions on protest. The monitoring data, based on footage disseminated by the media and reports by the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association and the Public Defender of Georgia,(see: Public Defender, 16–17 April; Public Defender, 30 April; GYLA, 30 April) shows that both administrative and coercive measures were used against activists. In several cases, these measures resulted in restrictions on the freedoms of assembly and expression, physical violence and indirect pressure.

Incidents

On 7 April 2024, activists who were removing hate-related posters in the Marjanishvili area were obstructed by party activists affiliated with Georgian Dream. The civil activists called law enforcement officers to the scene; however, the police took the activists for questioning and released them only the following morning.

On 15 April 2024, during a protest against the “Russian law”, police detained 14 citizens. Some of those detained reported violence by police officers, which was also confirmed by the Deputy Public Defender, Elene Ghudushauri. According to the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, most of the detainees did not have adequate access to communication with family members and lawyers. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, four of the 14 detainees were released on the basis of a written undertaking.

On 16–17 April 2024, during the dispersal of a protest against the so-called “Russian law”, police forces used physical force against peaceful demonstrators. In its report, the Public Defender noted that footage disseminated by media outlets indicated the use of disproportionate force by special-purpose police units against citizens. For example, a police officer knocked down and physically assaulted protest participant Dimitri Beridze. Beridze was transferred to a clinic and sustained a concussion as a result of the incident. In another case, officers of the Special Tasks Department cornered a young man in a side street and physically assaulted him. According to the citizen, masked individuals chased him and struck him in the face area with a baton. Civil activist Mariam Dolidze was also physically assaulted by special forces officers. She sustained an elbow injury and required surgery. In addition, police detained 18 persons, including Gela Khasaia, Levan Jobava, Sandro and Giga Jokhadze, Levan Budaghashvili, Tornike Maruashvili, Isako Devidze, G.B., D.G. and others. Signs of physical violence were also identified in this incident: five of the detainees had to be transferred to a clinic. This information was also confirmed by the Minister of Health. The Public Defender also referred in its report to allegations of ill-treatment of detainees.

The Public Defender stated that on the evening of 16 April, during the protest against the so-called “Russian law”, the situation escalated several times. Pepper spray was used by law enforcement officers even in response to non-violent approaches by protesters. Cases were also identified in which peaceful participants were chased in order to force them to leave the area. The Public Defender stated that such actions clearly constituted an unjustified interference with the freedom of assembly. The Public Defender further emphasized that “one of the most important elements of the freedom of assembly is the freedom to choose the location of an assembly, which is of particular significance where a specific place or institution is the object of protest, or where expressing views at a specific location is the most effective means of conveying an opinion or protest to its intended addressee.”

On 18 April 2024, in connection with protests against the so-called “Russian law”, the Central Criminal Police summoned activists Niko Managadze, Tite Gedenidze, Beka Papashvili, Tsotne Japaridze and Igor Narmania for questioning.

On 19 April 2024, masked individuals were allegedly waiting near the residence of civil activist Niko Managadze. As soon as they noticed the TV Pirveli camera crew, they left the area. Managadze suspected that the unidentified individuals had come to his residence with the intention of physically attacking him.

On 20 April 2024, Niko Managadze, an activist opposing the so-called “Russian law”, was physically assaulted near the university, allegedly by individuals linked to Georgian Dream. The activist was first pushed by the security detail of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze; subsequently, approximately ten young men physically assaulted him.

On 22 April 2024, civil activist, teacher and founder of a children’s literary club Mikheil Mumladze was detained near the Lado Meskhishvili Theatre in Kutaisi while draft laws restricting LGBT rights were being discussed inside the theatre. At the time the discussion began, Mumladze wrote on his Facebook page that he was not being allowed to attend the public discussion of the constitutional draft law and addressed Mamuka Mdinaradze, asking to be allowed into the building.

On 29 April 2024, Alexi Petriashvili was detained during a protest against the so-called “Russian law”. Police accused him of petty hooliganism and failure to comply with a lawful order of a police officer.

On 30 April 2024, the special-purpose unit of the Special Tasks Department dispersed a peaceful protest against the so-called “Russian law”. According to the Public Defender, during the night of 30 April and throughout 1 May, the Public Defender and its representatives visited 49 persons, of whom 47 had been detained under administrative procedure. Representatives visited temporary detention facilities in Tbilisi, Zugdidi, Telavi, Dusheti, Mtskheta, Gori and Khashuri. Thirty-one persons alleged ill-treatment and/or disproportionate use of force by police or special forces. Most of them had visible injuries. Nineteen of the 31 requested a response. According to publicly available information, police surrounded and detained activist Giorgi Dumbadze while he was giving an interview to TV Pirveli and saying that he would not stop fighting against the Russian law. Members of the special-purpose unit also physically assaulted Gela Nadiradze, who sustained injuries.

According to a report by the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, during the protest held near the Parliament of Georgia, members of the special-purpose unit used active special means without prior warning, including pepper spray discharged at close range and gas capsules. GYLA noted that protest participants were not given an opportunity to leave the area, as “police forces had encircled the demonstrators.”

According to the report, footage disseminated by the media also documented cases of physical violence against citizens, including women, while administrative detentions were carried out in parallel.

The Public Defender also assessed the protest of 30 April. According to the Public Defender, the force used by law enforcement officers in several cases failed to meet the standards of necessity and proportionality. The Public Defender stated that pepper spray and other special means, including tear gas and water cannon, were used against protest participants. The Public Defender emphasized that both at the time the warning was issued and afterwards, the assembly remained peaceful; therefore, there were no grounds for terminating the assembly or using force against peaceful demonstrators.

Incidents documented against civil activists – August 2025

Context

The incidents documented in August 2025 indicate a continued intensification of criminal justice measures and institutional pressure against individuals and organizations associated with the protest movement. During the reporting period, criminal cases against detained protest participants before Tbilisi City Court entered their final stage. Courts convicted several individuals referred to by civil society actors as “prisoners of conscience” and imposed custodial sentences. In some cases, the courts reclassified the initial charges to less severe offences. Most defendants pleaded not guilty and maintained that the proceedings against them were politically motivated, while defence lawyers argued that the evidence presented by the prosecution lacked credibility.

During the same period, pressure on civil society organizations also intensified. By court order, the bank accounts of several Georgian non-governmental organizations were frozen. Civil society representatives assessed this measure as an attempt to restrict the activities of critical and human rights organizations.

Overall, the cases documented in August indicate that legal and institutional pressure linked to the protest movement continued at an intensive level, affecting both individual activists and civil society organizations.

Incidents

On 12 August 2025, Tbilisi City Court Judge Jvebe Nachkebia sentenced Anatoli Gigauri, who had been detained in connection with the pro-European protests, to two years’ imprisonment. The court reclassified the charge initially brought against Gigauri, which concerned an alleged attack on a police officer, to Article 353(1) of the Criminal Code, concerning resistance to a police officer committed with violence or threat of violence. Gigauri had been arrested in connection with an incident that took place on Rustaveli Avenue on 24 November 2024, allegedly involving a strike against police officer Vakhtang Gabunia. The defence argued that the incident had been preceded by violence by the same police officer, namely a blow to Gigauri’s face. According to Gigauri, the officer struck him first, before he moved his hand, and therefore he acted in necessary self-defence.

On 12 August 2025, Batumi City Court delivered its judgment in the case concerning the incident that took place at Batumi Arts University on 9 December 2024. The case concerned the attempt by protest participants to place a banner on the university building. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, university lecturer Tea Tsaguria prevented them from doing so, which was later followed by a physical confrontation involving her husband and another accompanying person. Several individuals were subsequently arrested on charges of group violence.

By the court’s decision, Batumi Arts University student Anri Kakabadze was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment. At the time the judgment was delivered, Kakabadze had already spent approximately seven months in pre-trial detention and was expected to remain in custody for a further two months to serve the sentence.

In the same case, Mamuka Jorbenadze, Dean of Batumi Arts University, was fined GEL 20,000; however, taking into account the period he had spent in pre-trial detention, the payable amount was reduced to GEL 18,000.

The court also imposed financial penalties on university students Guram Mikeladze, Davit Gvianidze and Giorgi Davitadze. Each was fined GEL 17,000; however, taking into account the period spent in pre-trial detention, the payable amount for each was reduced to GEL 15,000.

On 15 August 2025, Tbilisi City Court Judge Nino Galustashvili sentenced Davit Khomeriki, who had been detained in connection with the pro-European protests, to four years and six months’ imprisonment. The prosecution charged Khomeriki with preparation of an explosion under Articles 18 and 229 of the Criminal Code, an offence punishable by four to seven years’ imprisonment. Khomeriki pleaded not guilty and stated that the items and substances referred to in the case file did not belong to him.

On 22 August 2025, Tbilisi City Court Judge Giorgi Arevadze sentenced Archil Museliants, who had been detained in connection with the pro-European protests, to four years’ imprisonment. Museliants was accused of damaging the cables of surveillance cameras installed near Parliament during the protests, allegedly causing damage amounting to GEL 534. He had been charged under Article 187(2) of the Criminal Code, which concerns damage to property by arson and carries a penalty of three to six years’ imprisonment.

On 27 August 2025, upon a motion by the Prosecutor’s Office, Tbilisi City Court ordered the freezing of the bank accounts of seven Georgian civil society organizations. The measure affected the accounts of the Civil Society Foundation, ISFED, IDFI, GDI, Democracy Defenders, Sapari and the Social Justice Center.

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the freezing of the organizations’ accounts was linked to criminal investigations initiated on the basis of a complaint filed by Vato Shakarishvili’s organization. The Prosecutor’s Office alleged that the organizations had financed the purchase of various protective items, including gas masks, protective goggles, medical masks, face coverings and pepper spray, which, according to the authorities, were allegedly used by protest participants during confrontations with police.

Communications Commission Accuses “TV Pirveli” of Legal Violations Over Words and Phrases Used On-Air

The Communications Commission accuses “TV Pirveli” of violating the Law on Broadcasting due to the use of words and phrases such as “prisoners of conscience,” “false witness police officers,” “oligarch,” and “political prisoners.”

The case is being reviewed against the backdrop of tightened content regulations for broadcasters following amendments to the Law on Broadcasting passed by “Georgian Dream.” The changes include, among other things, restricting the expression of positions in news and public-political programs, new rules for the right of reply, and defining standards for covert recording.

The Communications Commission had previously announced that it would put into practice the norms established by the Law on Broadcasting and the “Broadcasters’ Code of Conduct” and would begin monitoring broadcasters. This announcement closely followed the United Kingdom’s sanctioning of the government-propaganda channels “Imedi” and POSTV.

According to the Commission, the monitoring targeted news programs broadcast between May 11 and May 13. The Commission deemed that the broadcaster covered current issues of public policy based on personal attitudes or opinions, and expressed a supportive or opposing position toward political or other interest groups. The Commission reviewed the case during its session on June 18, and the decision will be made public in one week.

Prosecutor’s Office Launches Investigation into Case Related to “Formula” Under False Accusation Article

On June 16, 2026, the Investigative Division of the Tbilisi Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into an alleged case of false accusation. The case is being investigated under Article 373, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Georgia. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation was triggered by a statement from the lawyers representing film director Giorgi (Goga) Khaindrava, a supporter of “Georgian Dream,” regarding the alleged commission of a crime against Khaindrava by “Formula” TV. Reports indicate that the Prosecutor’s Office is alleging a false accusation made by “Formula’s” source.

The case is linked to reports broadcast on “Formula.” A segment aired on January 17, 2026, discussed the entry of Indian and Pakistani citizens into Georgia in 2016–2017, allegedly in coordination with the State Security Service. Khaindrava calls the information broadcast in the reports false and defamatory. Prior to this, on March 19, 2026, Khaindrava also filed a lawsuit against “Formula,” demanding 10,000 GEL in compensation for moral damages.

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, Giorgi Khaindrava has already been questioned as a witness by the investigative body. The agency stated that investigative and procedural actions will be carried out regarding the case, and the public will be provided with additional information about the results.

The Charter of Journalistic Ethics evaluates the launch of the investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office as an attempt to intimidate the media and punish investigative journalists. The Charter stated that the confidentiality of a source is a protected right of a journalist and a fundamental professional standard, and forcing a journalist to reveal a source is unacceptable.

MIA Accuses Activist Giorgi Melitauri of Insulting a Friend over a Facebook Comment

The Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Division for Combating Hate Speech accuses Giorgi Melitauri of an administrative offence over a comment posted on Facebook. According to the Ministry, through the comment, Melitauri verbally insulted photographer Levan Zazadze.

The case is to be heard by Judge Nino Enukidze at Tbilisi City Court. The hearing was scheduled for 22 June; however, due to the failure of a representative of the body that drew up the administrative offence report to appear, the hearing was postponed until 30 June.

Both Giorgi Melitauri and Levan Zazadze deny that any insult took place. According to Melitauri, Zazadze is his friend, and they have been participating in protest rallies together for more than a year. Zazadze describes the case as absurd and states that he finds the state’s attempt to “protect his dignity” on his behalf unacceptable.

The case concerns a comment posted under a Facebook post by Mtavari Arkhi, which followed information about the attack on Levan Zazadze and civil activist Tamuna Giorgadze before the “Saturday March” on 6 June. According to Zazadze, neither he nor Tamuna Giorgadze has been questioned to date as part of the investigation into the attack, while administrative proceedings over the comment were initiated swiftly.

The Division for Combating Hate Speech has been operating within the Ministry of Internal Affairs since early June. According to MIA data, within two weeks of starting its work, the division submitted approximately 60 cases to court.

MIA Accuses Giorgi Gogia of Disturbing Public Order over a Facebook Post about Bera Ivanishvili

The Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Division for Combating Hate Speech accuses Giorgi Gogia of an administrative offence over a post published on Facebook. According to the Ministry, by sharing a post about Bera Ivanishvili, Gogia verbally insulted him and disturbed public order.

The case was heard by Judge Tornike Kochkiani at Tbilisi City Court. The hearing held on 19 June lasted for more than an hour, while the stage of explanations was postponed until 26 June.

Gogia’s lawyer, Mikheil Zakareishvili, argues that the case does not sufficiently substantiate how the Ministry of Internal Affairs identified the author of the post, or what scale of audience the post reached. According to him, the post published on social media had only 35 reactions and one comment.

According to the MIA lawyer, there is no need to examine Bera Ivanishvili in court, as the alleged insult and petty hooliganism had already been “identified by the relevant officer.”

The Division for Combating Hate Speech has been operating within the Ministry of Internal Affairs since 1 June. According to publicly available information, as of 15 June, the division had submitted approximately 60 cases to courts.

Civil activist Tamuna Giorgadze faces a fine of up to GEL 5,000 or administrative detention for up to 20 days over a Facebook post containing a curse directed at Bidzina Ivanishvili

On 17 June, civil activist Tamuna Giorgadze was notified of a complaint filed against her in a case pursued by the Division for Monitoring Public Communication and informed that the court hearing would take place in two hours. According to available information, the case concerns a post published on social media.

Later, it was reported that administrative proceedings had been initiated against civil activist Tamuna Giorgadze in connection with a Facebook post concerning Bidzina Ivanishvili. The administrative offence report, dated 15 June, was signed by Sandro Kepashvili, Inspector for Especially Important Cases of the Division for Monitoring Public Communication. According to the report, the content of the post contains elements of an alleged administrative offence under Article 166(1) of the Code of Administrative Offences. The provision provides for a fine ranging from GEL 500 to GEL 3,000 or administrative detention for up to 20 days.

On 29 June, it was reported that civil activist Tamuna Giorgadze had been fined GEL 3,000 by the court over a Facebook post concerning Bidzina Ivanishvili. The decision was delivered by Judge Tornike Kochkiani. Giorgadze herself did not attend the court hearing.

The new division became operational within the Ministry of Internal Affairs on 1 June. According to the Ministry, its main mandate is to identify statements disseminated in the public space that are degrading to human dignity or insulting and may contain elements of an administrative offence.

According to publicly available information, this is the third case pursued by the new division. On 11 June, it became known that administrative proceedings had been initiated against musician Maia Darsmelidze over a post concerning Nino Jgharkava, a person affiliated with “Georgian Dream.” On 15 June, Tbilisi City Court fined lawyer Shota Tutberidze GEL 4,000 over the alleged insult of Nino Tsilosani, a “Georgian Dream” MP.

Tamuna Giorgadze had previously been subject to administrative liability. On 6 May, Tbilisi City Court imposed two days of administrative detention on her. In addition, on 6 June, during the “Saturday March,” Giorgadze was subjected to physical violence by an unidentified person. In an interview with Batumelebi, Giorgadze stated that, before the march began, the same person had passed by protest participants on a scooter and verbally insulted them. According to activists, no effective response has been taken in relation to this incident to date.

Court Imposes One Day of Administrative Detention on Civil Activist Nino Giorganashvili, Issues Verbal Warning to Lela Samkharadze

Tbilisi City Court imposed one day of administrative detention on Nino Giorganashvili, a participant in the ongoing protest, for standing on the sidewalk. The decision was delivered by Judge Tornike Kapanadze.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs alleged that, on 18 December, Giorganashvili had created an obstruction to pedestrian movement in front of Parliament.

On the same day, Judge Kapanadze also heard the case of Lela Samkharadze. The court found her liable for an administrative offence and issued her a verbal warning. The Ministry of Internal Affairs alleged that, on 7 February, during a protest rally, Samkharadze had blocked the roadway.

Parliament Suspends Accreditation of “Formula” Journalist Nini Balanchivadze for 6 Months

The TV company “Formula” journalist Nini Balanchivadze has had her Parliament of Georgia accreditation suspended for 6 months.

According to information released by the television company, the Parliament accuses the journalist of violating Article 15, Paragraph 2, Sub-paragraph of the rules for the accreditation of media representatives. This implies, “in case a member of the Parliament of Georgia, an employee of the Apparatus, or a visitor to the Parliament refuses to record an interview, to terminate the interview.”

The explanatory letter sent to the television company refers to a report that aired on “Akhali Formula” on June 23, 2026.

The tightening of rules for the media in the legislative body began in February 2023. Several security measures were introduced in the Parliament, during which non-accredited journalists are banned from entering the Parliament. Also, it became possible to suspend a journalist’s accreditation based on a Member of Parliament’s request. Furthermore, from January 1, 2026, a new rule for issuing one-time special accreditation came into force, which also created additional barriers for journalists. All these measures have been repeatedly used against journalists.