The Charter of Journalistic Ethics demands that the Georgian Dream parliament to repeal the newly adopted norms restricting the work of the media in court, while at the same time call on the High Council of Justice to ensure human working conditions for media representatives in courts.

The Charter of Journalistic Ethics has issued a statement on this matter, stating that the restrictions imposed on the work of the media have “extremely worsened the situation of the media in courts.”

“With the amendments made to the Law on Common Courts in June 2025, media outlets were prohibited from taking photos, filming and videotaping, broadcasting and audio recording not only in courtrooms, but also in court buildings and courtyards.

Since then, media representatives have been standing for hours at the entrance to the Tbilisi City Court, where journalists are being escorted to record interviews with respondents - lawyers and prosecutors, and other persons involved in the trial.

Unjustified and unfounded restrictions have made the situation of the media in the courts extremely difficult. Journalists and cameramen have to make incredible efforts to bring information from the courts to the public. Their loyalty to the profession and their dedication to the public interest are invaluable.

The Tbilisi City Court has not taken any steps to create basic working conditions for journalists and cameramen. They have to work outdoors, in the sun or in unbearable frost, rain and wind.

The Charter of Journalistic Ethics demands from the Georgian Dream Parliament to repeal the newly adopted norms restricting the work of the media in the courts, and at the same time, calls on the High Council of Justice to ensure humane working conditions for media representatives in the courts. Journalists and cameramen must be able to cover court-related news without putting their health and lives at risk,” reads the statement.