Transparency International Georgia records 45 cases of attacks on journalists in 2023

Transparency International Georgia has documented 45 cases of attacks on journalists this year. 

Based on information obtained from the Special Investigation Service, 14 criminal cases investigating the illegal obstruction of journalists in their professional activities were initiated between January 1, 2023, and November 30, 2023. Out of these, four cases have been forwarded to court, while nine remain under investigation, the organization said. Key incidents highlighted in the report include the July attack on Misha Mshvildadze, one of the founders and presenters of a local channel, who was physically attacked near the Formula TV company office in Tbilisi. One person has been charged in connection with the incident.August threats to Gela Mtivlishvili, the editor of the Internet publication Mtis Ambebi, who was threatened with being thrown into the water by a public servant. Irakli Kobakhidze, the chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, publicly referred to the journalist as a “scumbag.”

September’s displeasure letter to donors, when it was revealed that Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Parliament, expressed dissatisfaction by sending a letter to international donors. This followed the independent internet publication OC Media refusing to publish an Op-Ed submitted by him.

July robbery of Nodar Meladze’s car, who chairs the information service of TV Pirveli, which saw his car’s external Winchester stolen, with expensive personal belongings left intact.

The report also documented instances of attacks on filming crews from domestic, opposition-minded channels such as Mtavari, TV Pirveli and Formula. As investigations continue, Transparency International Georgia emphasized the need to address violence against journalists and safeguard media freedom in the country.