TV Pirveli journalist Nata Kajaia has been banned from working in Georgia’s Parliament for six months. According to a letter from Kakha Okrojanashvili, the head of the parliamentary administration, the journalist violated a regulation set by Speaker Shalva Papuashvili by continuing to record video footage despite being denied an interview.
As a result, Kajaia will not be allowed to work inside Parliament until September 24, 2025.
The report in question focused on case materials related to the arrests of young pro-European demonstrators. Documents revealed that the head of Parliament’s Economic Support Department had discussed infrastructure damage during the protests. Kajaia faced restrictions after attempting to question officials on this matter.
This is not the first time the journalist has been penalized. In July 2024, Parliament imposed the same six-month ban on her following a complaint from People’s Power MP Sozar Subari.
Strict regulations for journalists were introduced by Speaker Shalva Papuashvili during the 10th parliamentary term. Under these rules, if a journalist continues an interview after a respondent declines, they are banned from Parliament for one month on the first offense and six months for a repeat violation.
