342 violations against journalists documented in Georgia in one year, new report

From May 2024 to May 2025, 342 cases of media rights violations were recorded in Georgia, according to a new report by the Center for Media, Information and Social Research (CMIS). The report points to a troubling picture of the country’s media environment, documenting an alarming rise in physical violence, unlawful detentions, and obstruction of journalistic work, particularly during politically sensitive events.

The data reveals that in the past year alone, 112 incidents of physical violence against journalists took place. Among these, 10 occurred on the day of the parliamentary elections in October 2024, while 85 were recorded during the pro-European protests that began on November 28. The protests were sparked by the ruling party’s announcement about the suspension of the EU accession talks until 2028.

The report also notes that 13 journalists were unlawfully detained over the course of the year, with 11 of those arrests occurring during the ongoing pro-European demonstrations. It has been specifically emphasized that a media manager and journalist, Mzia Amaglobeli, remains in custody. In addition to detentions, media workers were prohibited from filming on 77 occasions, including 46 incidents on election day and 22 during the protests.

CMIS stresses that a total of 193 journalists have reportedly faced some form of repression since the start of the protests, including fines, denial of access to public buildings, and both verbal and physical harassment. Among these, 34 cases involved journalists being fined for allegedly blocking roads while covering protest activities—actions that are widely considered part of their professional duty. While many of the fines are being contested in court, only one has so far been paid in full.

The Center, which monitors media conditions across Georgia, emphasized that these incidents represent a broader pattern of hostility toward press freedom. The report emphasizes that the violations documented include not only direct attacks and obstruction, but also systematic efforts to intimidate and penalize journalists, especially those covering politically sensitive events.