TI-Georgia Warns of Rising State Repression Against Journalists on World Press Freedom Day
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, May 5, 2025
Transparency International (TI) Georgia has warned of an escalating crackdown on press freedom by the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, citing increasing use of law enforcement and the judiciary to target journalists. The warning came in a report released on World Press Freedom Day.
According to the report, 33 of the 85 documented violations against journalists in 2025, around 40%, involved unlawful detentions and disproportionate fines. TI-Georgia described the trend as "particularly dangerous" and comparable to media repression tactics in Belarus and Russia.
The report highlighted the arrest of Batumelebi/Netgazeti founder Mzia Amaghlobeli during a January protest. She faces 4-7 years in prison for allegedly slapping Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze. TI-Georgia claims the charge is politically motivated, citing her history of exposing government corruption.
Other cases cited include: Guram Murvanidze, Batumelebi cameraman, detained for 8 days while reporting; Lasha Jioshvili (TV Pirveli), detained and fined GEL 5,500 after a protest and a Facebook post; Saba Sordia (Indigo), held for 48 hours despite identifying as press and later fined GEL 2,500.
TI-Georgia also criticized courts for labeling journalists as offenders despite evidence of police violence. It cited Mtavari Arkhi cameraman Sergi Baramidze, who was assaulted at a protest, and Publika's Aleksandre Keshelashvili, who required surgery after being beaten by riot police but was still found guilty of disobeying orders.
The watchdog reported a growing use of administrative fines for protest coverage, including a February ruling against three regional journalists fined GEL 5,000 each for protesting near a judge's home.
Additionally, over 20 journalists have been fined in 2025 for allegedly "blocking roads" while reporting. TI-Georgia called this a "chilling tactic" that encourages self-censorship, despite most cases being dropped after proof of journalistic status is shown.
"The failure to investigate crimes against journalists, combined with impunity for perpetrators, exposes the government's intent to eliminate media freedom," the report stated. TI-Georgia praised independent outlets for continuing to report despite mounting pressure and limited resources.
