Journalists in Georgia are facing escalating violence, arrests, and obstruction as they cover anti-government protests triggered by the government’s decision to suspend EU membership negotiations until 2028. Over three days of unrest, 59 media workers have reportedly been injured or prevented from performing their duties, raising serious concerns about press freedom in the country.
Security forces in Tbilisi have deployed water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse protesters demanding the resumption of EU accession talks. The government’s heavy-handed response has drawn condemnation from human rights organisations and international diplomats.
Journalists targeted
The Tbilisi-based Centre for Media, Information and Social Studies (CMIS) reported that eight journalists were injured and several detained outside the Georgian parliament on Monday alone. Among them was Giorgi Chagelishvili, a reporter for the publication Mautskebeli, who was arrested near a Tbilisi metro station despite identifying himself as a journalist.
Even journalists from pro-government outlets have not been spared. Rustavi 2, a television channel generally aligned with the ruling party, reported that two of its reporters required hospitalisation after covering the protests. In one incident broadcast live, Guram Rogava, a journalist from Formula TV, was struck by a special forces officer while reporting, causing a head injury that left him bleeding.
CMIS has documented 59 incidents of violence or obstruction against journalists since the protests began. Media rights advocates say this is indicative of a broader crackdown on press freedom.
“Journalists documenting violations have become direct targets,” said Mamuka Andguladze of the Media Advocacy Coalition. “What we are witnessing is authoritarian arbitrariness, where peaceful citizens and reporters are met with excessive force. The government is actively silencing those who expose its actions to local and international audiences.”
Legal and advocacy efforts
The Media Ombudsman, a Georgia-based NGO, has filed appeals with the Special Investigation Service on behalf of nearly 60 journalists who were reportedly injured, detained, or obstructed. However, the organisation’s lawyer, Ilona Diasamidze, said authorities have yet to initiate any active investigations into these cases despite repeated requests.
“The violence against journalists is systemic and deliberate,” Diasamidze said. “Our appeals have been met with silence, reflecting a troubling disregard for the role of the media in democracy.”
Widespread violence
The protests, now in their fourth day, have led to 224 detentions, according to official figures from Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs. Of these, 98 individuals have been sent to court, with judges issuing fines and administrative imprisonment for most.
The Ministry also reported that 113 police officers have been injured during the clashes, with four still hospitalised. However, human rights ombudsman Levan Ioseliani revealed that 124 out of 156 detainees interviewed by his office claimed they were subjected to violence and mistreatment by police. “The number of such cases is growing at an alarming rate,” he warned.
Diplomatic fallout
The violence has also caused a rift within Georgia’s diplomatic corps. Several ambassadors, including representatives to the United States, Italy, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Korea, and Lithuania, have resigned in protest. In a collective statement, the diplomats condemned the government’s handling of the protests and expressed solidarity with the demonstrators.
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International criticism
The EU and human rights organisations have called on the Georgian government to uphold democratic principles and respect freedom of the press. Critics argue that targeting journalists undermines transparency and accountability, pushing the country further from its European aspirations.
“The media is a cornerstone of democracy,” Andguladze said. “By attacking journalists, the government is sending a clear message that dissent and accountability will not be tolerated.”
Broader implications
The protests were sparked by the government’s decision to delay EU membership talks, a move seen by many as a betrayal of Georgia’s pro-European aspirations. The ruling Georgian Dream party has faced mounting criticism for what opponents describe as increasingly authoritarian tactics and a growing alignment with Moscow’s interests.
As the protests continue, the government’s treatment of journalists and demonstrators alike is being closely watched by the international community. The escalating violence against the press has cast a shadow over Georgia’s democratic trajectory, raising questions about its commitment to upholding fundamental freedoms.
For many in Georgia, the crackdown on media and dissent signals a dangerous shift away from the democratic ideals the country has worked to achieve since its independence. With tensions high, the coming days will likely prove pivotal for the nation’s future.
