CMIS: Over 400 Violations Against Journalists and Media Outlets in Georgia in Past Year
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, October 2, 2025
The Center for Media, Information and Social Research (CMIS) says it documented 434 violations against journalists, media outlets, and media rights organizations in Georgia between October 2024 and September 2025. The report highlights what it calls a worsening environment for independent media and civil society.
According to CMIS, the violations included physical attacks, unlawful detention, interrogations, filming bans, denial of access to public buildings, financial penalties, and verbal harassment. "Despite the magnitude of these violations, no perpetrators, including those publicly identified, have been held accountable or brought to justice," the organization stated.
One of the most high-profile cases occurred on August 6, when Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of the publications Batumelebi and Netgazeti, was sentenced to two years in prison. Local and international groups have condemned the ruling. "This conviction is politically motivated, and we are calling for her immediate release," said CMIS.
The report notes that repression has been reinforced by new legislation adopted by the Georgian Dream-led parliament. CMIS described these measures as posing "an existential threat to independent media and civil society organizations."
The documented incidents included 122 cases of physical violence and injury, 104 cases of unlawful interference in journalistic activity, 102 legal incidents, 108 cases of verbal abuse, intimidation, and discreditation, 22 labor rights violations at the Georgian Public Broadcaster, and 29 attacks on property.
Violence escalated sharply during pro-European demonstrations. Since November 28, CMIS recorded 181 cases affecting journalists covering the protests. "Media representatives have been fined, detained, and assaulted while doing their jobs," the organization said.
The group also reported that nine foreign journalists were denied entry to Georgia without justification. On October 26, 2024, the day of parliamentary elections, at least 70 violations of journalists' rights were recorded.
CMIS warned that the cumulative effect of these measures is silencing independent voices in Georgia. "The media environment is in a critical state. Without accountability and reform, the situation will only deteriorate further," the statement concluded.
