Press freedom groups demand Georgia authorities protect journalists amid election results – JURIST

Press freedom organizations urged the Georgian government to protect journalists on Thursday, following a surge of threats and restrictions targeting reporters covering the country’s recent parliamentary election.

A joint report reveals a concerning environment for journalists covering the elections, which were held on October 26. In one incident, a CNews reporter was assaulted at a polling station by three individuals. Other cases involved attacks on camera operators, with their equipment vandalized, and journalists facing verbal abuse, threats, and accusations of being “agents” or “enemies of the country.” Two foreign journalists, Czech reporter Ray Baseley and Swiss photojournalist Stephan Goss, were denied entry into Georgia, with Baseley enduring a 34-hour detention, without contact with his lawyer for over 20 hours. Georgian authorities reportedly cited ambiguous legal provisions to justify these entry denials.

The hostility against journalists and media workers in Georgia is therefore partly a result of the increased legal and physical barriers for journalists. The Media Freedom Rapid Response noted that this election season reflects a longer pattern of repression toward Georgian media, worsened by legislation that targets journalistic freedom. In 2024, the government reintroduced the Transparency of Foreign Influence law which is a measure requiring foreign-funded organizations to register with the state. This drew intense criticism worldwide for potentially stifling independent journalism, with UN experts stating it will have “a chilling effect on civil society, journalists and human rights defenders.” This law has been said to mirror Russian “foreign agent” legislation used to restrict press and non-governmental organizations. This potentially raises concerns that Georgia is backtracking on democratic commitments.

The report also cites at least 30 incidents of assault, intimidation, and equipment destruction against journalists, predominantly from supporters of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

The joint report has been signed by many press freedom organizations such as the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, the International Press Institute, Media Freedom Rapid Response, Free Press Unlimited, among others