During year, number of attacks on journalists in Georgia has increased fivefold

In 2024, as compared with 2023, the number of attacks on journalists in Georgia has increased fivefold and exceeded 200 cases, the NGO (non-governmental organization) "International Transparency-Georgia" has informed.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on December 8, Georgian media professionals held a solidarity action in Tbilisi with the colleagues who suffered while covering the protests.

The NGO has paid special attention to cases of violence against the journalists working at the protests held by supporters of Georgia's European integration. Since the start of protests – from November 28 to December 30 – the NGO has recorded more than 90 cases of violation of the rights of media professionals. Such cases include attacks, grave injuries, illegal detentions, fines, damage to equipment, illegal obstruction of journalistic activities, and wounds inflicted by the use of gas, spray and water cannons, as well as threats and insults.

In 2023, Georgia recorded about 45 incidents involving physical and psychological violence against media workers.

Besides, on October 26, the parliamentary elections day, over 70 journalists were prevented from covering them. It is not known whether those responsible were punished.

The non-investigated cases indicate a lack of political will on the part of the ruling "Georgian Dream-Democratic Movement" Party to create safe working conditions for journalists; and it also appears that they are encouraging such actions, the NGO's report says.