At an event in Tbilisi devoted to media liberty on October 18, EU Ambassador Pawel Hisczynski expressed concern over the effects of the recently passed ‘Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence,’ formerly known by the name ‘Foreign Agents Law.’ Herczynski stated that the law had ‘dramatic’ effects on Georgian journalism, making the profession a ‘dangerous’ and ‘burdensome’ occupation in the country. He also emphasized that cyber and physical attacks against journalists are on the rise, threatening media independence.
The Ambassador also noted that Georgia’s ranking in the Press Freedom Index had dropped from 77th to 103rd between 2023-24.
The research conducted at the event revealed that 65% felt unprotected, while 39% reported surveillance. 30% of property damage was reported.
Herczynski emphasized the importance of media freedom and called for positive changes before the upcoming election.
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