Media Environment in Georgia 2023

10 July 2024

The Human Rights Center, the member of the Media Advocacy Coalition has published a new study on media environment in Georgia. The research assesses the state of media freedom, journalists’ rights, and pluralism in Georgia.

According to the report, there has been an increase in cases of physical violence, threats, and interference with professional activities against journalists, especially representatives of critical media outlets. The ineffective response of the authorities to these crimes creates a sense of impunity.

The study also notes that the pardon of Nika Gvaramia, the former director of “Mtavari Arkhi,” was a positive development, but this does not change the problem of the politicized judicial system in the country.

The report highlights the attempt to pass the “Russian law,” which aimed to discredit independent media and civil society organizations. It also mentions disinformation campaigns directed against critical media.

The study concludes that media access to public information is significantly restricted, and the government continues to boycott media outlets it deems unfavorable. The use of SLAPP lawsuits against journalists is identified as another means of suppressing dissenting opinions.

On this topic

Statement by MAC on the Persecution of Independent Journalists by the Public Broadcaster’s Board of Trustees

The Media Advocacy Coalition strongly condemns the persecution of journalists by members of the Public Broadcaster's Board of Trustees affiliated with the Georgian Dream.

Georgian Dream aims to obliterate free media and stifle freedom of expression

The repression of media in Georgia has reached alarming levels.

MAC responds to Increased Illegal Fines against Journalists imposed by “Georgian Dream” Police

Updatable link of fined journalists