Georgia Sees Record Crackdown on Press, RSF Reports 600 Attacks in One Year
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Press freedom in Georgia is under severe threat, according to a new report from Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The Paris-based watchdog says it documented around 600 attacks against independent media and journalists between October 2024 and October 2025.
The report describes the attacks as varied and systemic, citing physical violence, arbitrary fines, detentions, threats, and suspension of media accreditation. RSF argues that these actions are part of a deliberate campaign by authorities to intimidate independent journalism.
Many of the violations occurred during mass protests that erupted shortly after the ruling Georgian Dream party suspended EU integration talks in November 2024. According to the report, more than two-thirds of the recorded incidents took place in Tbilisi, the heart of the protests and the country's media hubs.
Some media outlets faced particularly severe targeting. TV Pirveli, a prominent independent channel, had its crews attacked more than 80 times over the year, RSF reports. Online outlets such as Publika and Batumelebi were also repeatedly pressured, especially after controversial legislation was introduced.
The report links part of the crackdown to a series of new restrictive laws passed by the government. Among them are a law on "foreign influence," amendments to broadcasting legislation, and tighter regulations on grants, all of which RSF says increase the risk of criminalising independent media.
RSF specifically criticises oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, naming him one of the key instigators of the crackdown. The organisation recently placed him on its "Press Freedom Predators" list for 2025, alleging that he plays a central role in applying political and economic pressure on critical media.
In light of these developments, RSF is urging the Georgian authorities to reverse course. The watchdog demands an end to violence, the dropping of illegitimate prosecutions, full reinstatement of suspended accreditations, and clear accountability for those responsible for these violations.
The organisation warns that without decisive action, Georgia's media landscape could deteriorate further, threatening pluralism, democratic norms, and the country's European aspirations.
