Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned the Georgian authorities for barring two French journalists from entering the country, calling the expulsions a troubling attempt to obstruct independent coverage of ongoing anti-government protests.
According to RSF, Photojournalist Jérôme Chobeaux filed a legal complaint today over his recent expulsion from Georgia — a move that mirrors the case of fellow journalist Clément Girardot, who was denied entry without explanation in February.
Chobeaux, a freelance photographer working for Italian agency NurPhoto, had covered the post-election unrest in Georgia for over two months before returning briefly to France. Upon his return on March 30, he was detained at Tbilisi Airport, held without access to his phone or luggage, and subsequently deported to Athens. Border officials demanded payment of two unexplained fines amounting to 10,000 GEL (approximately 3,300 EUR) and told him he would not be allowed entry “even if he paid,” citing an order from “higher up.” He refused to sign any documents and was given no official explanation.
Girardot, who has worked in Georgia for over a decade, faced a similar ordeal on February 12 when he was also denied entry without justification. His appeal was rejected by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and a court hearing is scheduled for June 23. The Georgian Public Defender has flagged serious procedural violations in the case and denounced what it called a disproportionate infringement on the journalist’s rights.
“These entry bans are clearly intended to intimidate journalists covering the protests against the disputed October 26 elections,” said Jeanne Cavelier, head of RSF’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk. “RSF strongly condemns these expulsions and calls on the Georgian government to respect its international obligations on press freedom. We urge France and the European Union to apply diplomatic pressure to stop these abuses.”
Both journalists are known for their on-the-ground reporting of the large-scale demonstrations that have gripped Georgia in recent months. Their expulsion comes amid growing concerns over the government’s crackdown on dissent and independent media.
