UK, Finland Raise Concerns Over Media Freedom in Georgia, Call for Amaghlobeli's Release
By Messenger Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
The United Kingdom and Finland, co-chairs of the 51-member Media Freedom Coalition, voiced concern over what they described as "troubling trends" in Georgia's media environment in a joint op-ed marking World Press Freedom Day.
The statement, released by the British Embassy in Tbilisi on May 4 and backed by 14 other countries including Germany, France, and Sweden, cited a sharp decline in press freedom rankings. According to Reporters Without Borders, Georgia dropped from 77th place in 2022 to 135th in 2026, "one of the steepest declines."
"In Georgia, we see troubling trends," the co-chairs said, pointing to "official interference, violence against journalists, and restrictive legislation." They added that at least 50 journalists have been "injured, beaten, detained, or obstructed" during protests, stressing that "these attacks are unacceptable."
The statement also referenced a critical report under the OSCE Moscow Mechanism and findings by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, both citing violence against journalists and lack of accountability during the 2024-2025 protests.
The co-chairs singled out jailed journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of Netgazeti and Batumelebi, saying her case "powerfully symbolises what is at stake." "We call again for her release," the statement said, arguing her imprisonment is meant "to intimidate an entire profession."
Georgian Dream Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili dismissed the op-ed as "crocodile tears" and "false pathos." He linked it to recent UK sanctions on pro-government channels PosTV and Imedi TV, accusing the British Embassy of trying "to kill off two leading Georgian media outlets."
