Georgian journalists urge ruling party to repeal media laws on World Press Freedom Day

On World Press Freedom Day, Georgia’s Charter of Journalistic Ethics issued a firm call to the ruling Georgian Dream party to repeal all laws and legislative amendments adopted in recent months that have "deteriorated the media environment in the country."

In a statement released on May 3, the Charter underscored that rather than celebrating the role of independent media in building a modern and democratic Georgia, the country is once again confronting a media crisis, fueled by government actions that restrict press freedom. It emphasized that Georgian Dream must change its attitude toward independent media and respect the role of journalism as outlined in the Georgian Constitution and international agreements signed by the state.

The Charter criticized the recent imprisonment of Mzia Amaglobeili, founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, claiming she was jailed based on fabricated charges. It also highlighted the shutdown of Mtavari Arkhi, a critical television station that had served as a counterbalance to pro-government propaganda. Meanwhile, Georgia’s public broadcaster, now housed in a new building, is accused of firing journalists with dissenting views and canceling politically critical programs.

The statement condemned the expansion of the National Communications Commission’s powers, which now include editorial oversight — a new mandate granted through legislation passed by Georgian Dream. It also pointed to growing restrictions on access to public information, arbitrary fines imposed on reporters, and systemic obstruction of journalists covering political events and protests.

According to the Charter, foreign journalists who report on human rights abuses in Georgia are being denied entry, while domestic journalists are facing increasing threats, verbal abuse, and physical violence, especially during pro-European rallies. Despite multiple testimonies given to the Special Investigative Service, there has been no accountability for law enforcement officers accused of attacking journalists. The journalists stressed that disinformation campaigns continue to label critical journalists as “enemies” and “agents,” aiming to marginalize them in the public eye.

The Charter warned that Georgian Dream’s growing list of repressive laws — including the so-called “foreign agents” bill and amendments to grant regulations — show a clear effort to control independent funding and silence dissent.

"Impunity, arbitrariness, aggression, and a complete disregard for the Constitution and laws at every level — this is what journalists in Georgia face every day in their efforts to bring the truth to the public," the statement says.

It concluded by stating that the government must immediately free Mzia Amaglobeili, investigate all crimes against journalists, remove all unjust fines, and restore access to public spaces and information for the press.

"May 3 is a reminder to authoritarian rulers - the power of a free media remains a force that no government has ever managed to defeat," the statement concluded.