The Justice Council must ensure that media representatives have safe and properly equipped working spaces so that journalists can perform their professional duties under normal conditions, the Media Advocacy Coalition stated in a public release.

According to the coalition, independent journalists in Georgia are working under inhumane conditions, facing impunity for acts of violence and institutional indifference.

“Working conditions for independent media in Georgia are extremely critical. This is particularly evident when covering court proceedings, where physical violence against journalists or imposed illegal restrictions directly affect their working environment and the public’s access to information.

Following bans on photography, video, and audio recording imposed by the ruling party (Georgian Dream) within court buildings and courtyards, journalists and camera operators have had to work outdoors continuously, from morning until evening - through freezing winters and extreme summer heat. They cover court proceedings from outside the building for hours at a time, regardless of weather conditions, without any technically adequate workspace providing basic working conditions. This creates a high risk of physical and health-related harm.

The illegal restrictions on independent media are particularly problematic in the context of multiple court cases of high public interest. In these circumstances, the responsibility to inform the public falls on independent media, yet they are effectively forced to do so from the street.

This situation is no longer merely a matter of professional discomfort. It demonstrates that independent journalists are operating under inhumane conditions, amid impunity for violence and institutional neglect. Despite this, they continue their work, providing crucial information to the public, which highlights both the dire state of the media and the critical importance of their role in society.

Given these circumstances, the Justice Council must provide media representatives with safe and adequately equipped working spaces to ensure they can fulfill their professional responsibilities under normal conditions,” the Media Advocacy Coalition stated.