TI Georgia Reports 60 Attacks on Journalists in Early 2026, Cites Worsening Media Environment
By Messenger Staff
Monday, May 4, 2026
Transparency International Georgia said it recorded about 60 cases of attacks, threats, violence, and interference against journalists in the first four months of 2026, warning that most cases remain uninvestigated.
In a statement marking World Press Freedom Day on May 3, the organization said "the absolute majority of crimes committed against journalists remain uninvestigated, and the perpetrators have not been brought to justice," pointing to a pattern of impunity.
TI Georgia said independent media continue to operate under "a continuous struggle for survival," despite "repeated attempts" by the Georgian Dream government to silence critical outlets. It also noted that 2026 marked a precedent, with the United Kingdom sanctioning pro-government channels Imedi TV and POSTV for spreading disinformation and pro-Russian narratives.
The group identified three main forms of pressure: physical attacks and threats, the use of courts and law enforcement against journalists, and regulatory actions by the Georgian National Communications Commission.
It said authorities increasingly use administrative charges against journalists covering protests, including fines and frozen bank accounts, describing the practice as an attempt to create a "chilling effect."
TI Georgia also criticized the communications regulator, saying its expanded powers to oversee broadcast content have led to warnings against critical outlets such as TV Pirveli and Formula TV over wording used in coverage, raising concerns about censorship.
The commission has also acted against other outlets, including Radio Marneuli and Caucasia TV, over foreign funding.
The watchdog said pressure is reinforced by verbal attacks and smear campaigns by government officials and affiliated media, often labeling critical reporting as "fake news."
The findings come as Georgia fell to 135th place in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, reflecting what TI Georgia described as a "repressive environment" for independent journalism.
