Online media in Georgia on the verge of collapse – journalists ask readers for help

"The light must not be extinguished." Under this slogan, 22 independent Georgian online media outlets have joined forces to protest against the ruling Georgian Dream party's massive attack on press freedom. The action is both a cry for help and a final wake-up call: The independent press in Georgia is fighting for its very survival.

The situation is dramatic. By passing repressive laws, the government has not only worsened the working conditions of journalists, but has also systematically destroyed their livelihoods. International funding is blocked, independent sources of income are dried up—and critical voices are criminalized. Why did the campaign begin?

The trigger was the recent wave of laws that "Georgian Dream" has rammed through parliament at record speed. Two provisions in particular pose an immediate threat to independent media:

1. The so-called FARA law : Any organization or media outlet that receives funds from abroad must register as a "foreign agent" in Georgia. If an editorial office refuses to do so, it faces not only stigmatization as an "enemy of the people" but also criminal prosecution.

2. Changes to the Grants Act : International foundations or organizations may only award grants in Georgia with prior government approval. In other words, the government decides whether to fund criticism of corruption, nepotism, or abuse of power. You can guess the answer.

These laws are not an original work of Georgian legal culture, but rather cheap copies of authoritarian models from Russia, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan. And, as in those countries, the message is: there should no longer be an independent press.

To counteract the impending darkness, the media companies have launched the platform sinatle.media – a donation portal designed to secure the financial basis for their work.

Joint statement of the online media

In a joint statement, the 22 media outlets issued a strong warning:

"The repressive law has brought independent online media to the brink of extinction. Journalists continue their work under constant threat to their freedom, health, and personal safety. The regime is punishing Mzia Amaglobeli in an exemplary manner. Our response is unity and resistance."

Solidarity march: “No to Russian darkness!”

On August 13, Tbilisi experienced a special protest. Hundreds of citizens, journalists, and media executives gathered with candles and lamps and marched from Republic Square to the Parliament.

The calls echoed through the night: “No to Russian darkness!” – “Freedom for the media!” – “Freedom for Mzia Amaglobeli!”

Each light symbolized a voice saying: "The country is alive, the people are vigilant, the truth will not disappear." A powerful image—and at the same time a sad one. Protests are no substitute for functioning institutions, and candles eventually burn out.

The Mzia Amaglobeli case: An example of repression

If one name today symbolizes the repression against independent media, it is Mzia Amaglobeli . The founder of the online platform "Batumelebi" is in prison for alleged offenses – a case of politically motivated prosecution that has long since sparked outrage in Europe and Germany.

Tamar Rukhadze , acting director of Batumelebi, told Tbilisi24: "The Georgian Dream government is doing everything it can to destroy independent media: Batumelebi founder Mzia Amaglobeli is being held in prison completely unlawfully and unfairly. Journalists narrowly escaped death during demonstrations, and the attackers go unpunished. At the same time, the government is using all financial leverage to cut off revenue. If you visit the websites of independent media outlets, you'll see how little advertising there is—it's obvious that their revenue is very small. The only way for media outlets to survive is to turn to the readers they serve and ask for help."

Voices from the regions: Marneuli and Samtskhe-Javakheti

The repression affects not only the major media outlets in Tbilisi, but also the local editorial offices in the regions – those who often represent the only independent source of information for the population.

Vladimir Chkhitunidze of Marneuli Community Radio told Tbilisi24:

"Why don't we register in the agent registry? Because we are not agents and will never bear that name. My colleagues and I work for the people of Marneuli, for the improvement of their lives, and we will never register in a registry created by Georgian Dream just to label us 'traitors to the people.'" And Gulo Kokhodze , director of Samchretis Karibche, explained: "In the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, where the population had long been dependent on Russian-language television channels, we began providing information in their own language. We replaced the propaganda messages coming through Russian channels with accurate information and truth... I don't know what Georgian Dream wants, but all our paths currently lead to our closure."