Breaking News: Georgian Government Intensifies Crackdown on Press Freedom, Journalists Face Grave Dangers
Tbilisi, July 2025 – In a distressing turn of events, the Georgian government has escalated its efforts to suppress press freedom, jeopardizing the safety and livelihoods of journalists across the country. Eight months after the controversial parliamentary elections, the government has begun censoring opposition television broadcasters and pursuing citizens for offensive Facebook posts targeting the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Threats to Freedom of Speech and Expression
Georgia’s freedom of speech and expression is now hanging by a thread. Journalists and independent media outlets face severe threats to their physical and digital security, legal pressures, and even the risk of imprisonment. The situation has deteriorated to the point where journalists are unable to perform their duties without fear of repercussions.
Escalating Repression
Four years ago, after a series of brutal attacks on journalists, the country wondered, “What could be worse?” Today, journalists are confronted with a myriad of threats, including physical and digital security risks, legal pressures, and economic penalties. Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of the independent newspapers Batumelebi and Netgazeti, faces up to seven years in prison, highlighting the grave dangers journalists in Georgia face.
Police Collaboration with Aggressors
In today’s Georgia, the police are no longer a source of protection for journalists. Instead, they collaborate with those who attack journalists. Over 100 episodes of aggression against journalists and media operators have been documented, with no investigations conducted. The Special Investigation Service (SIS), tasked with investigating police conduct, has been subordinated directly to the Prosecutor, further undermining its effectiveness.
Technological Surveillance
The government’s use of facial recognition technology along Viale Rustaveli, Tbilisi’s main road, has exacerbated the situation. Journalists documenting protests have accumulated significant fines, with the system targeting them indiscriminately. Over twenty journalists have already been fined, with many appeals being rejected.
Legal Weapons Against Journalists
The Georgian Dream party has accelerated the adoption of repressive laws, launching at least sixteen new laws and restrictive amendments in the last two years. These legal tools are now being used to threaten the existence of independent media. The law has become a weapon against journalists, with the government using defamation laws and foreign agent registration to silence dissent.
Solidarity Amidst Oppression
Despite the grave dangers, journalists in Georgia remain resilient. Solidarity between journalists is stronger than ever, with many continuing to report despite the risks. The International Press Institute (IPI) has called on the EU to react to these repressive measures, urging intensified pressure on the Georgian government to stem the authoritarian drift.
Why We Continue
Journalists in Georgia continue their work because they believe in the impact of quality journalism. Love for the job and the inability to imagine doing anything else with the same passion drive them forward. They cannot surrender now, especially while journalists like Mzia Amaglobeli are in prison. Their freedom must be used to make a difference, no matter how small.
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