WPF firmly condemns the attacks against independent journalists covering elections nationwide

Location: Georgia
Date: Ocotober 26, 2024

Women Press Freedom is deeply concerned for the safety of press workers in Georgia following the disputed elections marred by violence, allegations of vote rigging, and claims of electoral misconduct. Throughout election day, journalists reporting at polling stations faced assaults, intimidation, and obstruction, highlighting the growing dangers for independent media covering politically sensitive events in the country. These incidents reflect a broader trend of press freedom erosion and democratic backsliding in Georgia. With Georgia's democratic future at stake, protecting press freedom and holding those responsible for violations accountable are crucial to restoring public trust and ensuring a fair electoral process. The international community, including the EU and the U.S., should condemn these press freedom violations and support calls for an independent review of the election process. Pressure should be maintained on the Georgian government to uphold democratic principles

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On October 27, 2024, the incumbent party Georgian Dream announced a "landslide" victory in the parliamentary elections, claiming 54% of the vote, even though exit polls suggested the opposition had won. International observers pointed to an "uneven playing field," while the U.S. and the EU called for an independent investigation into suspected electoral irregularities. In this tense atmosphere, journalists faced serious threats, including physical attacks, intimidation, and obstruction, which seemed intended to silence critical reporting and control the election's narrative…

Physical Assaults Against Journalists

Ia Guliashvili, Mtavari Arkhi: On October 25, 2024, Ia Guliashvili and her team from Mtavari Arkhi, a government-critical outlet, were confronted at a polling station in Gurjaani while investigating voter registration irregularities. Kakha Devidze, a local lifeguard, verbally assaulted the journalists, threw objects at them, and threatened to break their camera. Despite reporting the incident, emergency services failed to respond adequately. The Special Investigative Service later contacted Guliashvili, but the delay in official action raised concerns about the authorities' commitment to protecting journalists.

Mariam Makasarashvili, TV Pirveli: On Election Day, Makasarashvili and cameraman Nukri Kafiashvili were attacked while filming suspicious activities at a polling station in Kvemo Khodasheni. The crew recorded lists of unknown individuals distributing money to voters, leading to a confrontation with a group of men who destroyed the camera and assaulted Kafiashvili. Despite police and medical intervention, the perpetrators remained unidentified.

Threats and Intimidation

Keta Tsitskishvili, Mtavari Arkhi, and Mariam Gaprindashvili, TV Pirveli: Both journalists were threatened on Election Day by individuals allegedly affiliated with Georgian Dream. The threats occurred at a polling station in Tbilisi's Isani district, where a man shouted insults and warned them against filming voter harassment. 

Tamta Dolenjashvili, TV Pirveli: In Batumi, Georgian Dream coordinators locked Dolenjashvili inside a minibus while she attempted to ask questions, telling her she should leave "while she was still beautiful." The incident escalated with threats of prosecution for "defamation" and accusations of disloyalty to the state. 

Verbal Harassment and Denial of Access

Tiko Davadze, Radio Marneuli: On October 26, Vladimir Chkhitunidze and Davadze faced verbal abuse from a ruling party supporter at a Marneuli polling station. The head of the polling station also restricted their ability to film, obstructing their coverage of the electoral process. 

Mari Tsaqadze, Formula TV: Tsaqadze was expelled from a polling station in Kutaisi on Election Day after members of the election commission filed a report against her. During a live broadcast, an unidentified person disrupted her coverage, accusing her of "spreading lies." Despite seeking police assistance, Tsaqadze received no support. 

Tamuna Chkareuli, Radio Tavisupleba: While covering the election, Chkareuli was verbally harassed near a polling station in Gldani by individuals claiming to support Georgian Dream. The repeated insults aimed at deterring her coverage were part of a broader pattern of hostility toward journalists who report on contentious political issues.

The violations against journalists during Georgia's 2024 parliamentary elections signal a troubling shift toward authoritarianism in the country, where critical media outlets and NGOs face increasing repression. The use of Russian-style laws targeting the press, along with threats and physical assaults on journalists, marks a concerning trend of limiting press freedom and silencing dissent. The ruling party's dismissal of fraud allegations and efforts to control the electoral narrative only deepen fears of democratic backsliding.

These incidents not only endanger individual journalists but also erode public confidence in the electoral process. The resulting chilling effect discourages coverage of politically sensitive issues, weakening the press's role as a democratic watchdog. Women Press Freedom calls for an immediate end to the targeting of independent journalists in Georgia, especially as civil unrest following the disputed elections raises the risk of further attacks on the media.

The international community, including those with influence over the Georgian government, must intervene to protect journalists and ensure their safety. We demand respect for democratic principles, thorough investigations into election fraud claims and attacks on journalists, and accountability for perpetrators. We stand in solidarity with independent journalists and civil society activists who continue to fight for justice, transparency, and a more democratic future in Georgia.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.