Court of Appeals Upholds Fine Against Journalist Vika Bukia for Social Media Post
The Tbilisi Court of Appeals upheld the 4,000-lari fine imposed on “TV Pirveli” journalist and television host Vika Bukia by the Tbilisi City Court for calling “Georgian Dream” MP Mariam Lashkhi a “slave” on Facebook.
“Georgian Dream” and Its Supportive Media Are Discrediting the Independent Outlet “Publika”
The Prime Minister of “Georgian Dream,” Irakli Kobakhidze, and the Mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze, are attempting to discredit the independent outlet “Publika” following its receipt of a European Union prize. Their narrative has been echoed by media organizations supportive of “Georgian Dream,” including Imedi TV, Rustavi 2, and POSTV.
Media Barred From Covering Academic Council Meeting at Tbilisi State University
On February 2, 2026, media representatives were not allowed into the main building of Tbilisi State University, where an Academic Council meeting was taking place. The meeting discussed the merger of two universities, Tbilisi State University (TSU) and the Georgian Technical University (GTU).
The “State Security Committee” of Occupied Tskhinvali Publishes Personal Data of Former Voice of America Journalist
The so-called State Security Committee of the Tskhinvali region, occupied by the Russian Federation, has published the personal data of former Voice of America correspondent Nino Dalakishvili.
“Georgian Dream” Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili Discredits Radio Liberty
On February 2, 2026, during a live broadcast on the pro-government “Rustavi 2,” Georgian Dream’s Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili referred to Radio Liberty as a tool of Western propaganda and spread misinformation about the media outlet’s funding sources.
Shalva Papuashvili Continues to Discredit Independent Online Media
The Chair of Parliament from “Georgian Dream,” Shalva Papuashvili, has once again engaged in discrediting independent online media, first on the air of TV company “Imedi,” and later on his personal social media page.
Persecution based on professional grounds | Persecution for expressing critical position | Risk of media outlet closure
Incident Type:
Laws Restricting Media FreedomLegal incident
“Georgian Dream” Announces New Repressive Legislative Amendments
On 28 January, following a meeting of the parliamentary majority of Georgian Dream, it was announced that the party intends to initiate a new legislative package during the spring session. The package will include amendments to the Law on Grants, the Criminal Code, the Code of Administrative Offences, and the Law on Political Associations of Citizens.
Attack on propertyDamage to equipmentLegal incidentVerbal warning
Formula Journalist Obstructed on Duty, Phone Confiscated and Footage Deleted, Threatened with Arrest
On January 26, 2026, Formula TV journalist Nano Chakvetadze had her phone confiscated, the footage recorded on site was deleted, and she was threatened with arrest.
