The Georgian media environment is in a critical state, this is precisely the deliberate repressive policy of the Georgian Dream, which aims to suppress independent media and critical opinion - we express full solidarity with all independent journalists who continue their professional activities in these difficult conditions and still manage to inform the public, - representatives of civil society and the media stated at the joint briefing.

As they noted, the media environment in Georgia is critical.

“Today, what we see is that the Georgian Dream is carrying out illegal actions every day, which are directed both directly, individually, against independent media representatives, professional journalists, and ultimately, of course, this is directed against the population of Georgia, to prevent them from receiving information on the current issues that concern the country. The Georgian media environment is in a critical state, this is precisely the deliberate repressive policy of the Georgian Dream, which aims to suppress independent media and critical opinion and deprive citizens of the opportunity to speak and express themselves.

Two days ago, the world celebrated the Day of Ending Impunity for Crimes against the Media, but in Georgia there are still hundreds of cases where attacks, illegal imprisonment, intimidation and threats against independent journalists remain uninvestigated. Moreover, we see blatant violations of journalists’ rights every day.

Yesterday, our colleague and friend Ninia Kakabadze was arrested while performing her professional duties - this is another clear example of how the Georgian Dream is trying to suppress an independent voice. Next to me is Vasil Ivanov Chikovani, who, along with other journalists, was illegally arrested and sentenced to prison by the regime. Prisoner of conscience Mzia Amaglobeli is still in prison. The international community has assessed Mzia’s illegal imprisonment as yet another blow to media freedom in Georgia, with numerous awards and recognitions.

Bidzina Ivanishvili was rightfully included in the “media predators list.” He was placed alongside authoritarian leaders such as Putin, Lukashenko, and Maduro. This decision once again confirms how harsh and restrictive the media environment is in Georgia. We should not forget the repressive laws aimed at targeting the media and civil society. State institutions have been seized and are under the full control of the Georgian Dream – including the Communications Commission and the Public Broadcaster.

The latter serves the oppressive regime, spreads propaganda, persecutes professional and independent journalists, and incites internal strife and repression against its own current and former colleagues.

We express our full solidarity with all independent journalists who continue their professional activities in these difficult conditions and still manage to inform the public," civil society and media representatives said.