Georgia’s Crackdown: Journalists & Activists Targeted Under New “Insult” Law

June 20, 2025 – Georgia – 

In recent weeks, the Georgian government has escalated its crackdown on dissent by summoning dozens of journalists, activists, and opposition figures to court. They face charges of “insulting” government officials—a crime newly criminalized under a legal amendment passed in February 2025.

Those accused could face fines of up to 4,000 lari (around $1,450) or 45 days in detention. The law was swiftly used to target media voices and government critics for posting strong, sometimes satirical or harsh comments on social media. Among those summoned is TV Pirveli journalist Vika Bukia, who allegedly described a Member of Parliament as “a slave” in a Facebook post.

Critics warn the law signals a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism. OCCRP has denounced the summonses as a “chilling escalation” of the ruling Georgian Dream party’s efforts to suppress opposition voices. Media outlets like Pirveli and Formula TV have also received legal complaints under an amended broadcasting law, raising alarms about wider controls over independent media.

The crackdown follows a broader pattern of repression that began amid the 2024‑2025 pro‑EU protests triggered by allegations of election rigging and the suspension of Georgia’s EU accession path.. During those protests, journalists were physically assaulted—some by police and masked participants—with dozens injured.

Prominent independent journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, co‑founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, was arrested in January during anti‑government demonstrations. Charged with assault after slapping a police chief, she became a prisoner of conscience and conducted a 38‑day hunger strike.

Media watchdogs like Mapping Media Freedom report at least 28 journalists fined for administrative offenses, and 13 detained since late 2024 for covering pro‑European rallies.

Reference – 

https://boingboing.net/2025/06/20/georgias-clampdown-on-criticism-journalists-and-activists-face-punishment-for-social-media-posts.html

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https://www.occrp.org/en/news/journalists-and-activists-in-georgia-face-punishment-for-alleged-offenses-against-officials