Announcements

17.11.2023

The Media Advocacy Coalition criticises changes to Public Broadcaster's funding model

The Media Advocacy Coalition expresses its concern about the planned amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, which will  substantially  change the fin

23.10.2023

The ruling party failed to ensure the participation of media, other stakeholders in the passage of the Broadcasting Law amendments

The Media Advocacy Coalition once again reacts to the recent amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, which have expanded the mandate of the Communica

17.10.2023

Media Advocacy Coalition reacts to further changes to the broadcasting law initiated by the ruling Georgian Dream party

The Media Advocacy Coalition reacts to further amendments to the Law on Broadcasting initiated by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which would incre

20.09.2023

The Media Advocacy Coalition reacts to the attacks carried out by Otar Fartskhaladze's security detail on the filming crews of TV Pirveli and Formula TV and the unlawful interference with journalists’ professional activities

The Media Advocacy Coalition strongly denounces the assaults on the filming crews of  TV  Pirveli and Formula TV  channels  by Otar Fartskhaladze's 

14.09.2023

Media Advocacy Coalition Reacts to Alarming Cases of Deteriorating Media Environment

The Media Advocacy Coalition is reacting to recent alarming cases that indicate  worsening of the  media environment Georgia, where journalists are a

26.08.2023

Coalition reacts to attack on Mtavari Arkhi TV journalist and cameraman

The Media Advocacy Coalition categorically condemns the attack on the journalist and cameraman of Mtavari Arkhi TV while they were carrying out their

08.08.2023

Media Advocacy Coalition Statement

The Media Advocacy Coalition expresses its deep sorrow and condolences to the families, relatives and friends of those who died in the Shov i  tra

25.07.2023

Media Advocacy Coalition statement on threats against Irakli Tabliashvili

The Media Advocacy Coalition denounces the threats towards Irakli Tabliashvili,  Formula  TV  anchor . These threats represent a further attack

19.07.2023

The coalition calls on the Interior Ministry to protect the personal safety of the journalist Vasil Dabrundashvili

Media Advocacy Coalition reacts to the public statement made by the former presenter of TV Pirveli, Vasil Dabashvili, related to the loss of his p

13.07.2023

Media Advocacy Coalition condemns the fact of theft against Nodar Meladze

The Media Advocacy Coalition condemns the theft of  a work-related  hard drive from the car of Nodar Meladze, head of the information service and

08.07.2023

Media Advocacy Coalition condemns violations of media workers' rights

The Media Advocacy Coalition categorically condemns the incidents of violence, threats, intimidation and illegal interference against members of the

05.07.2023

The Coalition once again calls on the authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Lekso Lashkarava and to bring the organisers of the violence on 5 and 6 July to justice

Two years ago, the  Georgian  public witnessed an alarming attack on press freedom when more than fifty journalists and cameramen were injured in

04.07.2023

Statement of the Media Advocacy Coalition on the abolition of the Adjara TV Board

The Media Advocacy Coalition strongly condemns the law passed by  the ruling  Georgian Dream  party  which, among other things, aims to abolis

30.06.2023

Media Advocacy Coalition condemns barring of accredited journalists from parliamentary committee hearing

According to media reports, media representatives were not allowed to attend the committee meeting  in the Parliament  on 29 June where the cinema

29.06.2023

The ruling party is causing irreparable damage to the country's public broadcasting model

The Media Advocacy Coalition reacts to the changes proposed by the ruling party in the Law on Broadcasting, which, among many controversial articles

29.06.2023

Media Advocacy Coalition responds to the first reading of the amendment to the Law on "Broadcasting" by the Parliament of Georgia

Media Advocacy Coalition positively evaluates the first reading of amendments to the Law on "Broadcasting" by the Parliament of Georgia on June 28,

27.06.2023

Media Advocacy Coalition responds to the attack on Misha Mshvildadze, the co-founder and presenter of Formula TV

Media Advocacy Coalition condemns the physical attack on Misha Mshvildadze, the co-founder and anchor of Formula TV.  Attacks on media representativ

22.06.2023

Coalition reacts to the suspension of Formula TV journalists from Parliament

The Media Advocacy Coalition categorically condemns the suspension of the accreditation of Formula TV  journalists  in the Parliament. Accord

20.06.2023

The coalition responded to the Court's decision to leave Nika Gvaramia in the custody

Media Advocacy Coalition is highly critical of the recent judgment of the Court of Cassation regarding Nika Gvaramia, as a result of which the dire

03.06.2023

Civil society organisations reacts to the detention of human rights defenders

We,  the  civil society organisations, strongly support the human rights defenders detained in the Georgian Parliament, who are courageously fight

23.05.2023

Media Advocacy Coalition responds to changes initiated in the "Broadcasting Law”

Media Advocacy Coalition critically assesses the draft law initiated by the ruling party "Georgian Dream", which contradicts the goals of the Europe

20.05.2023

Media Advocacy Coalition reacts to the ongoing events at the Kvareli Lake Hotel

The Media Advocacy Coalition categorically condemns the physical violence, confiscation of equipment and unlawful interference in the professional a

13.05.2023

Coalition reacts to the suspension of Formula TV journalists from Parliament

The Media Advocacy Coalition categorically condemns the suspension of the accreditation of Formula TV  journalists  in the Parliament. Accordin

03.05.2023

Media Advocacy Coalition reacts to Facebook report

The Media Advocacy Coalition is responding to a report by social network  company  Meta (Facebook) that accounts linked to the Government's Strate

30.04.2023

The Coalition reacts to the attack on the journalists of TV Pirveli

The Media Advocacy Coalition condemns the attack on the investigative team of TV Pirveli and calls on the Special Investigation Service to immediate

26.04.2023

On Harmonisation of the Law on Broadcasting with European Union legislation

The Media Advocacy Coalition believes that it is crucial for the Parliament of Georgia to bring the Georgian Law  o n Broadcasting in line with Eu

21.04.2023

Leading international human rights and press freedom organisations have appealed to the President of Georgia to release Nika Gvaramia

The leading international human rights and press freedom organisations have publicly appealed to the President of Georgia to release Nika Gvar

20.04.2023

The fine imposed on journalists arrested during protest against the Russian law sets another dangerous precedent for the media

The Media Advocacy Coalition reacts to the Tbilisi City Court's decision to impose fines of  GEL  2 , 200-2 , 200   on journalists arrested

07.04.2023

The Media Advocacy Coalition condemns Parliament's suspension of accreditation of critical media journalists and cameramen

The Media Advocacy Coalition condemns the Parliament's suspension of accreditation of journalists and operators of the Formula  TV , TV  Pirveli

24.03.2023

Media Advocacy Coalition statement on the case of the Formula TV founder

The Media Advocacy Coalition responds to the decision of the Court of Appeals in the case of the founder of the Formula TV station. The dec

21.03.2023

The Coalition calls on the authorities to immediately address the threats against Nato Gogelia and her family

The Media Advocacy Coalition calls on the Special Investigation Service to implement special protective measures for journalist Nato Gogelia and her

22.09.2022

The alleged pressure on judges must be addressed

The Media Advocacy Coalition reacts to the interview with former Supreme Court justice Besarion Alavidze , in which he discusses the facts of p

19.09.2022

The statement of the Media Advocacy Coalition regarding the Amendments to the Law of Georgia on Broadcasting

Media Advocacy Coalition believes that part of the amendments to the Georgian Law on Broadcasting contain risks of restricting freedom of ex

13.09.2022

Responding to Telara Gelantia being banned from attending the government meeting

The ban on Telara Gelantia from attending the  G overnment meeting raises strong suspicions of discriminatory treatment of the journalist. This de

10.08.2022

Demanding sanctions against critical media for airing 'Back Home to Europe' campaign clip is another sign of political persecution

The Media Advocacy Coalition finds alarming the call by the ruling Georgian Dream party[1] for the Communications Commission to impose sanctions on

06.07.2022

The Coalition reacts to attack on TV Monitoringi camera crew

On 5 July 2022 the TV Monitoring i crew,  Shotiko Sadaghashvili and Tornike Gelitashvili were attacked during their journalistic activities [ 1, 

05.07.2022

The government bears the responsibility to uncover and penalize those responsible for the large-scale violence on July 5 and 6, 2021

These two days a year ago marked the toughest period for Georgian journalism as 53 media personnel were injured while carrying out their professiona

01.07.2022

Media Advocacy Coalition is concerned about the violence perpetrated by ruling party MPs

Yesterday, on 30 June 2022, Vato Tsereteli, the director of the critical broadcaster TV Pirveli, was attacked by the Georgian Dream MPs on the ter

27.06.2022

The Ministry of Interior is obliged to ensure the safety of the media and participants of Tbilisi Pride

From 28 June to 2 July 2022, the Tbilisi Pride plans to organize "Pride Week" against the background of the harsh experience of 2021, when minoritie

24.06.2022

Statement on TV Pirveli journalists experiencing interference with their work

Today, on 24 June 2022, journalist Nanuka Kaja i a and cameraman Papuna Khachidze were attacked on Dolidze Street in Tbilisi. The footage shows ag

17.06.2022

NGOs: We appeal to you, as the Head of State of Georgia

Madame President, The member organizations of the Media Advocacy Coalition appeal to you to consider and positively resolve the issue of pa

10.06.2022

We call on the Government to take concrete action to achieve EU candidate status

Media Advocacy Coalition reacts to the resolution of 9 June 2022, adopted by the five political groups of the European Parliament, (Greens/EFA, S&

18.05.2022

Statement of Non-Governmental Organizations Regarding the Arrest of Nika Gvaramia

Non-governmental organizations express solidarity with Nika Gvaramia and Mtavari Arkhi team. The decision of the Tbilisi City Court of May

18.05.2022

Statement of the Media Advocacy Coalition on the case of Nika Gvaramia

On May 16, 2022, the Tbilisi City Court will announce the verdict with regards to the criminal case against Nika Gvaramia [1], the former direct

11.05.2022

The state has a duty to protect journalists and stop threats

Yesterday, on 10 May 2022, the presenter of TV  Pirveli , Vika Bukia, published a  correspondence  in which the presenters of  TV Pirveli  are

02.05.2022

Media Advocacy Coalition reacts to the dismissal of the Public Broadcasters' employees

The Media Advocacy Coalition sees that the practice of discrimination and persecution of employees in public broadcasters continues, which, together

12.04.2022

Media Advocacy Coalition calls for an agreement between parliamentary minority and majority

The process of selecting candidates for the Board of Trustees of the Public Broadcaster is at an impasse because the Parliament cannot reach a conse

11.04.2022

Statement on the possible election of Vasil Maglaperidze to the Board of Trustees of the Public Broadcaster

The Media Advocacy Coalition believes that the election of Vasil Maglaperidze as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Public Broadcaster w

08.04.2022

The Media Advocacy Coalition calls on the Government to cease the discriminatory practice against journalists

The failure to provide necessary information about public meetings of the Georgian government and limiting access to such events is becoming an esta

31.03.2022

The involvement of private TV Imedi-affiliate persons in the selection committee for candidates for the Public Broadcaster’s Board of Trustees is impermissible

The Media Advocacy Coalition reacts to the decision made by the Georgian Parliament[1] that the selection committee for the Board of Trustees

17.03.2022

The Media Advocacy Coalition calls on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to annul the decision of David Frenkel’s denial to enter Georgia

On March 6, 2022, David Frenkel, a journalist of one of the independent Russian media outlets “Mediazone” was not allowed to enter Georgia. The deci

09.03.2022

Statement Regarding the Criminal Case of Nika Gvaramia

On March 9, 2022 one of the last court hearings against Nika Gvaramia is scheduled in the Tbilisi City Court. The court might pass a verdict at the

07.03.2022

Media Advocacy Coalition Calls on Georgian Authorities to Allow Russian Journalists Harassed Due to Professional Activities

According to media information, yesterday, on March 5, 2022, Mikheil Fishman, the journalist representing the Russian independent channel "Dozhd" wa

02.03.2022

The Coalition for Media Advocacy demands an immediate response to the attack on journalists in the courtyard of the Tbilisi City Court

Today, on 2 March 2022, after the hearing of the case related to the events of 5-6 July, 2021, Formula TV journalist Rati Tsverava was allegedly app

02.03.2022

Media advocacy coalition demands a ban on propaganda media outlets affiliated with Russia

Media advocacy coalition calls on the Parliament of Georgia, the Communications Commission and operators of the electronic communications network t

21.12.2021

The Media Advocacy Coalition reacts to the arrest and beating of journalists in Batumi

On 20 December 2021, Giorgi Arobelidze, the founder and journalist of the online platform "Mautskebeli" [Broadcaster], and Rati Ratiani, a journalis

14.12.2021

We take a negative view of the Georgian Parliament's decision to expedite consideration of a package of bills aimed at restricting gambling and related advertising

Yesterday, on the 13th of December 2021, the Bureau of the Parliament of Georgia decided to accelerate the review of the draft law on gambling adver

08.12.2021

Coalition for Media Advocacy asks the Public Defender to investigate the facts of discrimination against journalists at press briefings

Today, 8 December 2021, the Minister of Culture reportedly held a briefing on the appointment of theatre managers, where the representatives of TV P

06.12.2021

There is no need for additional media regulation – the Media Advocacy Coalition reacts to Kakhi Bekauri's statement

The statement by the Chair person  of the Communications Commission, Kakhi Bekauri, regarding the introduction of additional media regulation mech

29.11.2021

The Media Advocacy Coalition reacts to the injury of TV Kavkasia cameraman

Today, 29 November 2021, according to reports, Niko Kokaia, TV Kavkasia  cameraman , lost consciousness while filming the rally held at the Tbilis

26.11.2021

Tendency to fine Mtavari Arkhi TV smacks of censorship

The member organisations of the Media Advocacy Coalition consider the cases against the Mtavari Arkhi TV, a channel with critical editorial po

22.11.2021

The Media Advocacy Coalition calls on Ministry of Culture to end discrimination against journalists

Today, 22 November 2021, media outlets critical of the government were not invited to the briefing [1] planned by the Georgian Minister of Culture.

19.11.2021

The Media Advocacy Coalition: the restriction of the rights of another Ukrainian journalist in Georgia alarming

Yesterday, on 18 November, 2021, it was reported [1] that Ukrainian journalist and blogger Vladimir Zolkin was not allowed to enter Georgia. Accordi

11.11.2021

The Media Advocacy Coalition calls on Ministry of Justice to end discrimination against journalists

  Today, 11 November 2021,  government-critical  media representatives were not invited to the briefing planned by the Georgian Minister of Ju

02.11.2021

Media Climate Assessment: Second Round of Local Regional Elections

  The Coalition for Media Advocacy strongly believes that professional activities of journalists and cameramen during the coverage of the sec

31.10.2021

Assessment of Media Environment during the Second Round of Local Self-Government Elections

Media Advocacy Coalition observed that journalists and cameramen faced significant challenges in performing their duties during the runoffs of local

27.10.2021

The Member organizations of the Media Advocacy Coalition call on the Georgian government to explain the reasons for refusal of entry to Georgia of the Ukrainian journalists

According to the information spread on October 27, 2021, a Ukrainian journalist Dmitry Gordon and his wife, editor Alesia Batsman were denied ent

20.10.2021

Introducing the new term of a "negative attitude" into the law is alarming

The draft law introduced on 13 October by members of the parliamentary majority, which provides for a ban on the distribution of propaganda and adve

01.10.2021

Recommendations for media representatives on election day coverage

The partner organisations of the Media Advocacy Coalition are ready to provide legal assistance to media organisations and journalists on Election D

30.09.2021

The aim of the legal dispute against Davit Kezerashvili may be to pressure Formula TV

The lawsuit against Davit Kezerashvili, the owner and the funder of Formula TV , and the recent proceedings against him during the pre-election p

27.09.2021

The Media Advocacy Coalition calls on the State Inspector to inspect surveillance infrastructure

The member organisations of the Media Advocacy Coalition call on the State Inspector’s Service to use the "inspection mechanism” to study the abuse

25.09.2021

The hotline for the investigation on the alleged State Security Service files

The partner organisations of the Media Advocacy Coalition are ready to provide legal assistance to media organisations and journalists over the inve

20.09.2021

Statement by the Media Advocacy Coalition

  As the partner organizations of the Media Advocacy Coalition, we are deeply concerned about the Prime Minister's discrediting rhetoric against Mtav

16.09.2021

The Kareli incident is the result of the ruling party’s aggressive policies

The Media Advocacy  Coalition  condemns the violence against  Mtavari Arkhi TV cameraman  Levan Ablotia and journalist Beka Korshia. According t

06.09.2021

Media Advocacy Coalition responds to Kakhi Kaladze's statement and offers a memorandum to political parties

Media Advocacy Coalition responds to the statement of Tbilisi mayoral candidate Kakhi Kaladze, who announced that the ruling party's candidate for M

25.08.2021

Vakho Sanaia case: justice not done properly

We believe that justice has not been properly served in the case of Vakho Sana i a, and that the court's lenient attitude to the fact of the attac

24.07.2021

We urge all public figures to cease from provoking animosity in society and tarnishing the reputation of the media

On the 23rd of July 2021, Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili made remarks about journalists, branding them as "bullies" and "party activists". Desp

13.07.2021

Partner organisations of the Media Advocacy Coalition consider the arrest of Irakli Absandze as an attempt to intimidate media

On 12 July  2021,  12 people were reportedly arrested near the  HQ  of Georgian Dream, including Public Broadcast er journalist Irakli Absandz

05.07.2021

The Coalition once again calls on Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs to take effective measures to protect journalists

The Media Advocacy Coalition once again calls on Georgia’s Ministry of Interior to take effective measures to protect journalists. Today, July 5, 2

02.07.2021

The Media Advocacy Coalition calls on the Ministry of Interior to ensure the safety of media representatives and participants during the coverage of "the March for Dignity"

The March for Dignity is planned for 5 July 2021 and will be organised by Tbilisi Pride, which is currently celebrating Pride Week. Pride demonstrat

02.07.2021

The Media Advocacy Coalition demands timely investigation into the attack on TV Pirveli representatives

The member organisations of the Media Advocacy Coalition appeal to the Interior Ministry of Georgia to conduct a prompt and effective investigation

30.05.2021

Threatening a journalist should be a matter of criminal and political responsibility

On 27 May  2021 , Nugzar Solomonidze, a member of the Georgian Dream party in Khulo, reportedly sent threatening messages to Na s i Rekhviashvil

30.05.2021

The Media Advocacy Coalition responds to the ongoing processes in Dmanisi

Today, 17 May 2021, a confrontation reportedly took place at the entrance to Dmanisi, where law enforcement officers temporarily blocked the road.

30.05.2021

The Media Advocacy Coalition condemns attacks on journalists by clergymen

The Media Advocacy Coalition reckons that the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs should swiftly investigate the verbal and physical attacks on jo

30.05.2021

The incident in Davitgareji indicates illegal interference in journalism

On April 4th, 2021, Iveri Melashvili and  Mtavari Arkhi TV crew  were assaulted while filming in Davitgarej i .  Per our information,  Melashv

30.05.2021

The Media Advocacy Coalition responds again to the ongoing events in Namokhvani

On 11th April 2021, it was reported that the Ministry of Interior representatives are barring journalists from working in Namokhvani. Police at Guma

12.04.2021

The Media Advocacy Coalition demands a proper response to Buba Chivadze's case

Today, on April 5th, news emerged regarding the arrest of journalist Buba Chivadze and his removal from Kutaisi City Hall. The police forcibly arres

12.04.2021

The Media Advocacy Coalition reacts to attacks on the employees of the Formula TV

Today, the 9th of April, reports emerged about the attack on Formula TV employees, and their property being damaged.  According to our informat

12.04.2021

Restricting Internet availability in Namokhvani is impermissible

The member organizations of the Media Advocacy Coalition deem restricting Internet availability in Namokhvani as inadmissible. It is crucial to r

22.03.2021

Media Advocacy Coalition reacts to the attack on journalist Vakho Sanaia and his family

On 25th February 2021, Vakho Sanaia, TV Formula journalist, and his family were attacked by unidentified individuals. Sanaia explain ed  that "the

22.03.2021

There is a risk of the media becoming a target of political retaliation

We, the member organisations of the Media Advocacy Coalition address the news from March 11th, 2021 that states the authorities have authorized th

22.03.2021

Events that occurred in Martvil show indications of a criminal act

The Media Advocacy Coalition is taking note of the developments in Martvil. On  8 th  of  March 2021, a railing collapsed on the second floor of C

13.01.2021

The Coalition for Media Advocacy believes that the Communications Commission should not perform the function of a self-regulatory body

According to the  statement issued by the Commission  on 7 December 2020 ,  it has become clear to us that the Communications Commission is plan