As tensions escalate and threats against journalists and media outlets persist amidst protests against the "Russian Law" in Georgia, "Media Voice" has launched a live-blogging initiative.
We document all violent attacks targeting journalists and media entities, providing real-time updates on the unfolding developments.
Updated daily, the diary serves as a crucial resource, shedding light on the challenges faced by the media. Stay informed about the ongoing protests and assaults on media freedom in Georgia.
From May 9, 2024, until the present
Violent pro-government groups persist in intimidating and stigmatizing journalists, aiming to suppress critical voices within the media. These attacks are directly linked to journalists' involvement in anti-Russian protest campaigns.
On May 9, pro-government groups posted hate speech, stigmatizing messages, and offensive content near the residence and office of Gela Mtivlishvili, the editor of "Mtis Ambebi" (“Mountain News”). Similar posters were affixed to the door of Nino Zuriashvili's residence, the chair of the board of the investigative “studio Monitor.” Additionally, on May 10, Nino Zuriashvili's car was vandalized. "Reporters Without Borders" issued a statement condemning these incidents.
The trend of repression against critical media outlets is deeply concerning, echoing tactics reminiscent of the Kremlin's playbook under Putin's regime. Starting from May 6, telephone threats targeted civil activists, politicians, journalists, and their families, persisting for several days and escalating to incidents of physical violence.
The non-governmental organization "Media Ombudsmen" has petitioned relevant authorities to investigate the threats, systematic persecution, and breaches of personal data protection against three journalists (Nino Zuriashvili, Nana Biganishvili, and Natia Kuprashvili). On May 13, the Special Investigation Service initiated a case regarding interference in the activities of journalists.
On May 9, prominent blogger Ucha Japaridze was arrested from his residence, prompting public outcry and protests. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, Japaridze was arrested under Article 286, Part 4, and Article 236, Part 3 of the Criminal Code, pertaining to the illegal access to computer data or systems and possession of firearms and ammunition. However, as corroborated by the blogger's family and lawyers, only two of the seized weapons were genuine and properly registered, with the rest being toy guns and plastic bullets used for “strike ball” games. Preceding his arrest, blogger Abashidze had received threats, leading him to prerecord a video anticipating his apprehension. The public defender issued a critical statement in response. On May 11, Mariam Abashidze, the wife of Ucha Abashidze, was arrested. The prosecution accuses both Ucha Abashidze and his wife of crimes under Articles 157 and 236 of the Criminal Code. The investigation alleges that they "jointly intended to illegally obtain and store the secrets of the private lives of various persons, particularly materials depicting intimate relationships."
On the night of May 10, journalists near the premises of “TV Pirveli” witnessed suspected perpetrators, whom they promptly reported to patrol police. Regrettably, there was no immediate response. When queried by a "TV Pirveli" journalist, the Chairman of the Parliament, Papuashvili, declined to comment on the matter, citing limitations in his authority regarding the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
According to "Reporters Without Borders" report: "More than 15 journalists have been subjected to violence or intimidation since this law – which was finally passed on third and final reading on 14 May – was resubmitted to the Georgian parliament on 3 April after being withdrawn in March as a result of protests and international pressure".
Repressions extended beyond journalists to encompass representatives of non-governmental organizations. One such case involves Vakhtang Ghlonti, the founder of "Media Voice," who was assaulted in front of his house on May 14. He was informed during the incident that the attack was motivated because he did not support the "Russian law."
On May 28, when the Parliament of Georgia intended to override the President's veto concerning the "Russian law", online media, including accredited journalists, were barred from entering the Parliament to cover the process. Only television camera crews were permitted in the parliament, albeit in a limited capacity. This ban on other media has been in effect since April 8, coinciding with the day the Russian law was presented to the parliament's bureau.
On July 27, 2024, the Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC) issued a written warning to the opposition-leaning Mtavari TV for airing video clips in July that negatively portrayed Georgian MPs who supported the Foreign Agents law. The GNCC criticized the broadcast for allegedly inciting negative attitudes towards specific MPs, which the Commission argued was in violation of broadcasting standards. This action against Mtavari TV has been seen as part of a broader pattern of increasing pressure on government-critical media in Georgia (source: https://civil.ge/archives/617856)
On August 3, 2024, independent Azerbaijani journalist Afghan Sadygov was arrested by Georgian authorities, facing possible extradition to Azerbaijan, where he had previously been imprisoned on politically motivated charges and recognized as a political prisoner by international organizations. His arrest comes at a critical time in Georgia's pre-election period, during which the media environment has significantly deteriorated due to the recent passage of a Russia-inspired "foreign agent law." This case highlights the urgent need to protect journalists in exile, who continue to face threats of surveillance, harassment, and abduction even after fleeing their home countries. The situation in Georgia, particularly for exiled journalists, is increasingly precarious, as exemplified by the 2017 kidnapping of journalist Afgan Mukhtarli. The international community is urged to take immediate action to prevent further persecution and uphold press freedom in Georgia. For more rad Media Voice statement.
Comments