Georgia's 2025 crackdown on journalists silences independent media
Press freedom in Georgia faced severe challenges in 2025, with mounting restrictions and targeted actions against journalists. The government introduced new laws, froze bank accounts of media groups, and oversaw a rise in physical attacks—all while denying entry to foreign reporters covering the situation.
The year began with the adoption of a controversial 'foreign agent' law. Under this legislation, journalists and media outlets receiving foreign funding now face fines of up to GEL 25,000 (€8,250) or prison terms of five years. The law's passage coincided with a broader crackdown on independent voices.
Physical violence against reporters surged, with dozens of documented attacks by law enforcement. Many cases went unpunished, reinforcing a climate of impunity. Arbitrary arrests also increased, including those of journalists Ninia Kakabadze and Mamuka Mgaloblishvili.
Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of independent outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, became a high-profile target. After a politicised trial, she received a two-year prison sentence. Since her arrest, Amaglobeli and her organisations have endured smear campaigns, economic retaliation, and degrading treatment.
Financial pressure extended to NGOs and media groups, as court orders froze their bank accounts. Regulatory changes further tightened control over broadcasters. Amendments to the Law on Broadcasting granted the Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC) sweeping powers to enforce 'factual accuracy' and 'fairness,' with penalties reaching 3% of annual revenue or even license revocation.
Foreign journalists also faced barriers. Will Neal, Jérôme Chobeaux, Giacomo Ferrara, and Gregor Sommer were among those denied entry. Meanwhile, the Platform recorded 32 alerts related to Georgia's declining press freedom in 2025. A report confirmed no direct dismissals at Georgia Public Broadcaster due to political interference—but institutional repression and weakened checks and balances remained key drivers of the crisis.
The combined effect of legal restrictions, financial sanctions, and physical intimidation has sharply reduced press freedom in Georgia. With new laws in place and ongoing attacks on journalists, independent reporting faces growing obstacles in the country.
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