Solidarity Surges as Georgian Journalists Face Brutal Repression

December 20, 2024 – Georgia –

International press freedom organizations have united in a powerful show of solidarity with journalists across Georgia following an escalating wave of violence, intimidation, and legislative suppression against independent media. During mass protests sparked by the government’s decision to pause EU accession talks on November 28, 2024, at least eighty journalists were physically attacked, threatened, or interfered with by police and masked vigilantes. One prominent case involved photographer Aleksandre Keshelashvili being seized, beaten, and detained despite clearly identifying as press, and another saw Guram Rogava of Formula TV suffering facial fractures in a violent crackdown. Instances of equipment confiscation, forced detentions, and brutality were reported in protests across Tbilisi. International advocacy groups, including the International Press Institute, European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, Article 19, Civil Rights Defenders, RSF, Free Press Unlimited, the Union for Journalists in Finland, the Turkish Journalists Union, and others rallied to condemn these assaults, calling for prompt investigations, accountability, and stronger protections for media workers. A fact-finding mission earlier in 2024 had already exposed systemic threats to independent journalism, including repressive legislation like the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence and proposed foreign agent bills targeting media funding, severe restrictions on donor-funded organizations, judiciary interference, and the exodus of journalists fleeing mounting pressure. The intervention of solidarity networks followed reports that journalists endure arbitrary arrests, equipment seizure, and physical attacks—many of which go unpunished—while institutional mechanisms meant to uphold democratic media are being systematically undermined by political influence and smear campaigns. As part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response platform, these international statements also emphasized the urgent need for the Georgian Public Broadcaster to maintain editorial independence and uphold impartial reporting. Despite the oppressive climate, independent news outlets such as OC Media, Netgazeti, and Batumelebi, along with courageous individual journalists, have continued to resist, raising the alarm and reporting on human rights violations. Their perseverance amid violence and legal threats has become emblematic of press freedom’s critical role in preserving democratic discourse in Georgia. The coordinated global outcry underlines not just the gravity of the threats facing Georgian media but also the essential impact of international backing in sustaining independent journalism during periods of democratic erosion.

Reference – 

Press freedom groups and newsrooms stand in solidarity with journalists and media in Georgia

We Stand in Solidarity with Journalists in Georgia