For Free Media
The Media Advocacy Coalition (MAC) unites 17 non-governmental organizations focused on media issues and defending media rights. By applying a combination of their efforts and expertise, MAC members contribute to free media environment in Georgia.
MAC’s key activities include protecting journalists and media owners, analyzing the media landscape, advocating for changes in legislation, and raising public awareness about the importance of free media.
Pro-European Protests
MAC responds to Increased Illegal Fines against Journalists imposed by “Georgian Dream” Police
Updatable link of fined journalists
Address to International Organizations and the EBU on the Developments at the Georgian Public Broadcaster
The temporary suspension of Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani from hosting news broadcasts represents an attempt by the GD aligned leadership of the Public Broadcaster to silence an objective journalist dedicated to the country’s European aspirations.
The Coalition responds to the unlawful actions against media on February 2
During the peaceful protest on February 2, police unlawfully detained and physically assaulted several participants, as well as obstructing and insulting members of the media.
The True Reasons Behind Irakli Shaishmelashvili’s Resignation from Law Enforcement
In an exclusive interview with Nodar Meladze, Shaishmelashvili reveals the true motives behind his exit from law enforcement.
IPI demands immediate release of veteran journalist Mzia Amaglobeli
The IPI global network calls for the release of veteran Georgian journalist and IPI member Mzia Amaglobeli, who has been ordered to remain in pre-trial detention after being arrested on January 12.
Mzia Amaglobeli’s detention is a pre-planned provocation
Representatives of independent media outlets, professional organizations, and media rights defenders react to the arrest of the director of the publication Batumelebi.
MAC demands the immediate release of the Director of Batumelebi/Netgazeti
MAC responds to illegal detention of Mzia Amaghlobeli, director of the leading publication “Batumelebi,” and demands her immediate release.
Violence in Live
“In two weeks, Georgian Dream has injured more journalists than during the war.” – Guram Rogava, a journalist.
HRW on Georgia: Brutal Police Violence Against Protesters
Human Rights Watch: Police and other security forces have used brutal violence against largely peaceful protesters in Georgia
How journalists became targets of police violence
Story of six journalists who became victims of violence during protests
Press freedom groups in solidarity with journalists and media in Georgia
MFRR- undersigned press freedom, freedom of expression, media, journalists and human rights organisations express solidarity towards journalists and media in Georgia.
Public Protest and Solidarity during Pro-European Protests
Examples of solidarity and moments captured by journalists.
Election 2024 Coverage
Multiple Voting Scheme – Interview with a Citizen
interview with the citizen involved in the multiple voting scheme explains in detail the election…
Georgian Dream’s Secret Network to Control Elections
Georgian Dream’s call centers confirming the payment of 150 GEL in exchange to their work on the Election Day.
Vote Secrecy not Secured
Widespread breaches of vote secrecy on October 26 Parliamentary Elections and a legal process associated…
Votes for Georgian Dream from Abandoned Villages
Journalistic investigation into the electoral success of Georgian Dream in the Ninotsminda and Akhalkalaki districts,…
Georgian Dream Officials on the List of NGO Observers
Family-run “independent” NGO observer mission coordinated with the Georgian Dream party involved in election fraud.
Call Centers of Georgian Dream: who are the “Captains”?
Covert call centers of Georgian Dream to coordinate voter suppression.
Combatting Disinformation
In Georgia, the internet is rapidly becoming the primary information source for more people each…
Elections 2024
A significant event leading up to 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia was the ruling party’s…
Interim Monitoring Report of ComCom Activities
The Media Ombudsman, a member organization of the Media Advocacy Coalition, has published an interim…
Safety of Journalists
The safety of journalists in Georgia is alarming. Journalism has turned into dangerous profession- this…
Street Art Campaign in Support of Free Media
“Choose the Truth” is the slogan of the international campaign for World News Day, which…
Your Voice is Heard Through Media
Under the Georgian Dream government, efforts to curb media freedom have culminated in the passage…
News & Statements
Your Voice is Heard Through Media!
MAC responds to Increased Illegal Fines against Journalists imposed by “Georgian Dream” Police
Read more: MAC responds to Increased Illegal Fines against Journalists imposed by “Georgian Dream” PoliceAddress to International Organizations and the EBU on the Developments at the Georgian Public Broadcaster
Read more: Address to International Organizations and the EBU on the Developments at the Georgian Public Broadcaster“Friends of Georgia” Demand the Release of Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli and call for international action
Read more: “Friends of Georgia” Demand the Release of Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli and call for international actionThe Coalition responds to the unlawful actions against media on February 2
Read more: The Coalition responds to the unlawful actions against media on February 2MAC Calls for the Resignation of Public Broadcaster Leadership
Read more: MAC Calls for the Resignation of Public Broadcaster LeadershipThe events surrounding ‘Mtavari Arkhi’ represent a trend of curbing critical media
Read more: The events surrounding ‘Mtavari Arkhi’ represent a trend of curbing critical mediaStatement by Journalists, Editors, and Media Managers on the Arrest of Mzia Amaghlobeli and the Deteriorating Media Environment in Georgia
Read more: Statement by Journalists, Editors, and Media Managers on the Arrest of Mzia Amaghlobeli and the Deteriorating Media Environment in GeorgiaPress freedom partners call for release of Mzia Amaglobeli, end to crackdown on free press
Read more: Press freedom partners call for release of Mzia Amaglobeli, end to crackdown on free pressCoalition Statement on the Unlawful Detention of Mzia Amaglobeli
Read more: Coalition Statement on the Unlawful Detention of Mzia AmaglobeliIPI demands immediate release of veteran journalist Mzia Amaglobeli
Read more: IPI demands immediate release of veteran journalist Mzia AmaglobeliMzia Amaglobeli’s detention is a pre-planned provocation
Read more: Mzia Amaglobeli’s detention is a pre-planned provocationMAC demands the immediate release of the Director of Batumelebi/Netgazeti
Read more: MAC demands the immediate release of the Director of Batumelebi/Netgazeti
Challenges To Free Media
Media Environment Indicators
103
Press Freedom Index 2024
77
Press Freedom Index 2023
Position among 180 countries according to the “World Press Freedom Index 2023”
58
Global Freedom Index
Partially Free. Evaluation on a 100-point scale according to Freedom House’s 2024 report
34
Democracy Index
Evaluation on a 100-point scale according to Freedom House Nationa in Transit 2023 report
13
Information Vibrancy
Evaluation on a 40-point scale according to “Vibrant Information Barometer 2024” by IREX
Use of Sources on International News
76%
Georgian TV
46%
Social Media
6%
Georgian Internet News Sites
3%
Western TV
2%
Georgian Radio Stations
2%
Western Internet News Sites
2%
Russian TV
1%
Georgian Press
International Evaluations
”We have observed the deterioration of press freedom as well as human rights at large in Georgia. It has been made clear to us that a wide range of tools and mechanisms are used to discredit and curtail dissenting voices, including those of independent journalists. “
”The environment remains hostile for independent and opposition media, with a growing number of verbal and physical attacks against journalists, and attempts to pass laws aimed at marginalising the independent media and narrowing the space for free speech.”
”Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) have emerged as a troubling phenomenon in Georgia, increasingly targeting critical media organisations and journalists.”
”In 2023, pro-government media notably escalated propaganda, offering unethical and manipulative content to the public.”
”Barring journalists from the Parliament represents yet another step by Georgia’s authorities in its crackdown on independent media. The barring of journalists from Parliament deprives the public of information on the activities of the legislative branch. “
”Tens of cases of wiretapping of journalists are yet to be investigated. The practice of interference with journalistic activity and intensification of self-censorship has a systemic character”
Studies & Analytics
The Legality of Mzia Amaglobeli’s Arrest, Detention, and Charges
Legal Assessment of Mzia Amaglobeli’s Detention
HRW on Georgia: Brutal Police Violence Against Protesters
Human Rights Watch: Police and other security forces have used brutal violence against largely peaceful…
Amnesty International: Shocking human rights violations amid ongoing crackdown on protesters
A detailed briefing, based on testimonies from victims of police brutality, human rights defenders, and video…
Vibrant Information Barometer
The Vibrant Information Barometer is an annual study by IREX that tracks how information is produced,…
THE GLOBAL WAR PARTY CONSPIRACY
ISFED’s analysis of THE GLOBAL WAR PARTY CONSPIRACY: ITS ORIGINS, INTERNATIONAL EXAMPLES AND ASSOCIATED THREATS…
Media Environment in Georgia 2023
The Human Rights Center, the member of the Media Advocacy Coalition has published a new…
SLAPP Cases in Georgia-New Threat to Media Freedom
GDI, member of the MAC publishes new report on SLAPP Cases in Georgia. Legal disputes…
Media environment from May 3 to May 3: Chronology of backsliding
TI Georgia, the member of the Media Advocacy Coalition’s article on media environment. The media…
Anti Western Propaganda
An analysis by “Rights Georgia” focuses on the trends of anti-Western and anti-European propaganda in…
Access to Public Information by the Media: Legislation v. Reality
The Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI), with support from the Open Society…
Media Freedom In Georgia
Georgian Democracy Initiative, the member of the MAC publishes report on Media Freedom in Georgia…
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT “ALT-INFO”?
Dedicated to Lekso Lashkarava The cameraman who was the victim of a large-scale attack on…
MAC Members
Partners
