December 4, 2024 - Georgia, Tbilisi

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze insulted Formula TV journalist Eliso Jariashvili during a press conference, calling her "miserable" and accusing her of taking "dirty money." The exchange began when Jariashvili questioned the Prime Minister about targeted violence against journalists and protesters. Kobakhidze accused her of behaving like a political operative and abruptly left without addressing her concerns.

When Kobakhidze insinuated ties between Jariashvili and Formula TV founder David Kezerashvili, Jariashvili responded by referencing Bidzina Ivanishvili, a controversial oligarch linked to the ruling party.

This incident reflects the deteriorating environment for journalists in Georgia, where independent media faces mounting hostility, including public smear campaigns and violence while covering protests. Verbal attacks on women journalists, like Jariashvili, further exacerbate risks, undermining press freedom and discouraging accountability.

Women Press Freedom condemns this behavior and urges the Georgian government to ensure respectful engagement with journalists, address violence against media workers, and safeguard press freedom. Silencing journalists harms democracy and denies the public its right to information.