International Press Institute: ‘New laws in Georgia threaten to paralyse independent media’

Georgia 11.03.2026 International Press Institute: ‘New laws in Georgia threaten to paralyse independent media’ Tbilisi Share Share

The International Press Institute (IPI) has issued a sharp critique of a recently adopted legislative package by the Parliament of Georgia. This package significantly restricts the receipt of international funding and cooperation with international partners, introducing potential criminal liability in certain cases. IPI asserts that these new laws pose a serious threat to independent media, potentially leading to their paralysis.

Germany, France, and Poland have expressed concern regarding the repressive nature of these laws. The IPI highlights that the regulations substantially expand state control over foreign funding, encompassing almost any form of assistance if linked to vaguely defined political purposes. Media outlets will require government approval for such funding, with violations risking criminal penalties, including imprisonment.

A key focus of the IPI’s criticism is a newly added “extremism” provision, allowing authorities to punish the systematic questioning of the government’s legitimacy with up to three years imprisonment. This provision could impact organizations, including media outlets, potentially leading to substantial fines or closure. The IPI’s concerns align with observations from EU commissioners Kaja Kallas and Marta Kos, who characterize the laws as undermining Georgia’s long-term partnership with the European Union.

The organization emphasizes the Georgian Dream party’s increasing use of methods reminiscent of Russian authoritarian rule, aiming to silence critics and weaken democratic institutions. This occurred concurrently with the Supreme Court’s refusal to consider an appeal for journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, recognized by IPI as a “World Press Freedom Hero.”

IPI urges the Georgian authorities to repeal the laws and calls for the European Union and the international community to respond firmly, advocating for targeted sanctions. The organization also requests the OSCE to activate the Moscow Mechanism and the Venice Commission to conduct additional monitoring, emphasizing that freedom of the media and expression are fundamental to democracy and European values.

The “law on grants” represents an attempt to destroy the intellectual class in independent Georgia, according to the Social Justice Center director. Transparency International assesses the new extremism legislation further criminalizing critical opinions. Background indicates the ruling Georgian Dream party passed the “law on grants” on 4 March, criminalising non-recognition of authorities and introducing liability for “foreign lobbying,” alongside amendments to the organic law “On Political Unions of Citizens.”

Topics: #international #new #georgia