According to a study published on October 18, out of 106 journalists surveyed nationwide, 42% mentioned that they or their colleagues had experienced physical attacks since the adoption of the so-called “Russian law”. 61% reported harassment by police or special forces. 30% indicated damage to personal property, 82% noted increased aggression from authorities towards them, and 39% mentioned instances of surveillance.
“Ladies and gentlemen, when representatives of the media are no longer safe, or no longer feel safe, they are no longer free,” commented Pawel Herczynski, the EU Ambassador to Georgia, on the study results.
According to the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, Georgia ranked 77th out of 180 countries in 2023. However, in 2024, this indicator significantly declined, moving Georgia’s position to 103rd place globally.
“The upcoming elections will be a test for Georgia’s democracy and its European Union path. It is my sincere hope that Georgia’s press freedom rankings will improve dramatically in 2025,” the Ambassador stated.
One day earlier, the European Council published the results of a discussion, which reads that the actions of the Georgian government “contradict the values and principles on which the European Union is founded,” – read more about the Council’s statement.
The study “Journalists’ Safety Before the 2024 Elections” was conducted by the “Center for Media, Information and Social Research”.
