IPI raises concerns over media freedom in Georgia amid wave of 'extremely repressive' laws

The International Press Institute (IPI) issued a statement on June 30 expressing serious concern over what it describes as a worsening climate for media freedom in Georgia. The organization pointed to recent legislative developments and the detention of journalists as signs of what it characterizes as growing pressure on independent media and civil society.

According to the IPI, a global network promoting press freedom, several recent actions by Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream (GD), could have negative implications for journalistic work and freedom of expression. These include amendments to Georgia’s defamation laws and court reporting rules, as well as the continued detention of media manager and journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, whose health condition reportedly deteriorated while in prison.

In the statement, the IPI said:

“The IPI global network today warns of the dire state of media freedom in Georgia amid the introduction of increasingly repressive laws and ongoing attacks on the press. Each day, Georgia moves closer to becoming a fully consolidated authoritarian regime, as the ruling Georgian Dream party intensifies its efforts to erode democracy and silence independent voices.”

The statement underlines that on June 26, Georgia’s parliament adopted changes to the Law on Freedom of Speech and Expression in a third reading. The amended definition of defamation no longer requires proof of harm, instead labeling as defamatory any “substantially false fact” that damages a person’s reputation. The burden of proof would now shift to the accused party—often journalists—who must justify the accuracy and intent behind their statements.

In addition, protections previously granted to journalists—such as the right to protect confidential sources, report in the public interest, or act in good faith—have been removed under the new law. Courts would also be permitted to impose financial compensation for both material and moral damages, even in cases where retractions or apologies have been issued.

IPI noted that these changes may create a chilling effect on investigative reporting.

“These amendments erode fundamental legal protections for journalism by eliminating source confidentiality, fostering self-censorship, and obstructing investigative reporting,” the IPI stated.

The organization stressed the amendments allow for retroactive application up to 100 days before the law’s enactment. During the debate, MP Tea Tsulukiani, a member of the ruling party, reportedly suggested the possibility of reintroducing criminal liability for defamation.

On the same day, parliament approved amendments to the Organic Law on Common Courts. If signed into law, these changes would prohibit video recording inside court buildings, including hallways, courtrooms, and courtyards—restrictions that would further limit media access to judicial proceedings.

The proposed legislation is pending final approval by President Mikheil Kavelashvili, who was elected with support from the Georgian Dream party.

IPI also highlighted the case of Mzia Amaglobeli, a journalist whose pre-trial detention was recently extended by a Batumi court. According to IPI, medical assessments indicated that her eyesight had significantly deteriorated while in custody. The organization expressed concern over her continued detention under these conditions.

In its statement, the IPI called on the European Union and other members of the international community to monitor the situation closely and respond accordingly. It said international partners should denounce actions that restrict media freedom and consider pressure measures if necessary.