Transparency International: up to 400 cases of pressure on journalists recorded in Georgia over one year
Pressure on journalists in Georgia
Transparency International Georgia has published a report covering a year of ongoing protests in the country. According to the organisation, since November 2024, up to 400 cases of violence, intimidation, threats, harassment, pressure on journalists, and various forms of interference in media work have been publicly recorded. Around 100 of these cases occurred in the final month of 2024, with the rest recorded throughout 2025.
The organisation concludes that the year since the protests began has been particularly challenging and critical for the media in Georgia.
According to Transparency International, dozens of journalists and camera operators were seriously injured while covering protests, requiring medical attention. The injuries were caused by physical attacks, as well as the use of tear gas and water cannons.
Journalists also reported verbal abuse, intimidation, and humiliation. In addition, several journalists had their equipment damaged and/or confiscated while reporting.
The organisation is particularly concerned about cases in which journalists and camera operators working live were attacked by so-called “titushki” and law enforcement officers.
“For example, at the end of 2024, Pirveli TV journalist Maka Chikhladze and camera operator Giorgi Shetsiruli were attacked while on air. In another case, Formula TV journalist Guram Rogava was hospitalised with severe head injuries after a targeted attack by a special unit officer during a live broadcast. He required a long course of rehabilitation,” the report states.
Transparency International Georgia stresses that none of the attacks on media staff have been investigated, and no one has been held accountable. The organisation says the apparent indifference of law enforcement raises serious concerns that preventing such crimes, conducting proper investigations, and punishing perpetrators do not serve the interests of the Georgian Dream government, and that these illegal actions were organised by the authorities.
Illegal detentions of journalists
According to Transparency International, “over the past year, illegal detentions of journalists and media workers have become an especially worrying trend, reaching an alarming scale.
In just the last year, 26 media workers were detained, more than half of them in the final month on administrative charges related to so-called road blockages.
Of particular concern is the illegal detention in January 2025 of Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of the online outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, in a criminal case, and her two-year sentence. Her health deteriorated significantly in detention, with human rights defenders describing her vision as ‘alarming.’
The mass detentions of journalists and their persecution are part of the repressive policies of the Georgian Dream government, aimed at suppressing and eradicating freedom of expression in the country.”
Illegal fines for journalists
“Another harmful trend observed during the year-long protest cycle is the fining of media workers for carrying out their journalistic work under the article on so-called road blockages.
Over the past year, around 40 such cases were recorded. The authorities’ disregard for the fact that journalists were performing their professional duties during protests, coupled with imposing hefty fines, serves to intimidate and increase pressure on journalists. These fines and financial pressures could potentially force some to abandon their profession.
Critically minded media have also faced other repressive measures, including expanded regulatory powers of the Communications Commission, lawsuits, and the blocking of funding sources.
Due to financial constraints, up to 20 regional outlets were unable to continue operating in 2025. In addition, one of the country’s largest opposition TV channels, Mtavari, was shut down in May 2025.
Meanwhile, a campaign to discredit independent outlets continues, led by ruling party figures and their propaganda channels. On 23 November 2025, the pro-government media outlet Imedi published an extensive piece targeting more than 20 online outlets and investigative journalists, labeling independent media as a ‘propaganda network of foreign intelligence services’ and accusing them of treason and incitement to unrest.
Despite this, independent and critically minded media continue to serve the public honestly and provide comprehensive information. Transparency International Georgia highly values the role of independent and critical media in the country and thanks each of their staff for their tireless work and dedication.
Freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental democratic value, with independent media as its main guarantor. In Georgia today, such media face the threat of eradication. The disappearance of independent outlets would cement the formation of a one-party system and set Georgia on the path toward dictatorship,” the statement reads.
Pressure on journalists in Georgia
