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Independent journalism under siege in Georgia

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Georgia’s press freedom ranking fell to 135th place in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, reflecting a sharp deterioration in conditions for journalists working in the country. Several independent outlets have described facing a combination of legal pressure, physical danger, financial hardship, and surveillance, while continuing to report on matters of public interest.

Laws, arrests, and attacks

The Georgian government, led by the Georgian Dream party, has introduced a series of laws that have severely limited the ability of independent media to operate and receive funding. Legislation passed in 2024 and 2025 requires organisations receiving foreign funding to register as foreign agents, while separate amendments oblige foreign donors to seek government approval before awarding grants to Georgian recipients. Further amendments adopted in March 2026 broadened the definition of what constitutes a grant. One outlet, iFact, reported losing 90 percent of its income following the introduction of these measures.

Beyond financial pressure, journalists have faced physical danger. Watchdog organisations recorded 65 physical assaults and 83 verbal attacks against Georgian reporters between 2023 and mid-2026. One journalist described being targeted by stone-throwing aggressors while covering a story in Batumi, with police present but taking no action. iFact has also reported digital surveillance and smear campaigns, including being labelled agents of a foreign intelligence service after publishing an investigation into Russian oil shipments through Georgian ports.

Mzia Amaglobeli, co-founder and chief executive of the outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, was arrested in January 2025 and subsequently sentenced to two years in prison following a trial that press freedom groups condemned as politically motivated. She was awarded the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize in December 2025 and remains detained, with her lawyers having spent months seeking permission for a medical clinic visit.

Finding ways to survive

In response to these pressures, 22 independent online media outlets formed a solidarity and sustainability network called Sinatle Media in July 2025. The network, whose name means “light” in Georgian, raises funds through community events including book fairs, flea markets, and auctions, having collected the equivalent of approximately 84,000 euros. It also provides shared legal support and other resources to its members.

Individual outlets have also adapted their funding models, with iFact introducing paid memberships and a subscription newsletter, as well as hosting public events to generate local revenue. Despite the hostile environment, journalists across the outlets have stated their intention to continue reporting.

This article is adapted from “Independent journalism under siege in Georgia” published by Global Voices, licensed under CC BY 3.0. Changes were made. Read the original story at the link above.

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