Reporters Without Borders published the final report of the press freedom mission in Georgia on October 25. The report was issued under the auspices of the Platform for the Safety of Journalists of the Council of Europe entitled “Press Freedom, Journalists Safety and a Rising Climate of Fear”. RSF was one of the partners of the Platform and Media Freedom Rapid Response that took part in this mission. The report outlines Georgia’s progress in implementing its commitments to freedom of expression and freedom of the media, including with regard to the current election campaign.
The mission was conducted on the 2nd and 3rd of October by the Partner Organizations of the Council of Europe Platform for the Safety of Journalists and of the Media Freedom Rapid Response, including ARTICLE 19 Europe (CPJ), the European Broadcasting Union, the European Federation of Journalists, the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, the Index on Censorship (IPI), the International Press Institute, the Justice for Journalists Foundation and Reporters Without Borders. The interim findings of the Mission can be read here.
RSF reports on the observation that the observers observed “a deterioration in press freedom amid an increasing authoritarianism.” They also stress that “a wide range tools and mechanisms were used to discredit dissenting voices and curtail those of independent journalist.” We are expressing our full support and solidarity with journalists, civil society and press freedom. We came with concerns over media freedom but were shocked by what we heard.”
The report details “extreme polarization” in the media, “increasingly restrictive” legislation, verbal and physical abuse against journalists, which prevents people from working peacefully within the media. RSF notes that state and other institutions are often used to discredit civil societies and media critical of government. This hostile environment, as well as the impunity of those who perpetrate violence and intimidation, threatens the right to reliable information for citizens.
“Threats and harassment, insults, abusive court proceedings, surveillance… we’re seeing an increase in intimidation of journalists as described in this document. RSF calls for a democratic overhaul in the face of these shocking events and pro-Russian misinformation campaigns. The political parties that are contesting the elections — especially the Georgian Dream Party, which is currently at power — must ensure that the country’s commitments regarding journalists’ safety and their right to reliable information will be respected”, Jeanne Cavelier stated, Head of RSF’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Desk.
RSF’s recommendations
The final section of this report includes recommendations for Georgia on how to improve press freedom.
* Ensure a safe, free and secure working environment for journalists. Ensure that journalists are able to cover the pre-election and election period without interference or obstruction.
* End smear campaigns and disinformation, as well as verbal attacks against journalists by high-level officials and politicians.
* The media legislation that is not in accordance with international standards of freedom of expression should be revised. The laws on “Transparency of Foreign Influence”, and the Law on Protection of Family Values and Minors, must be repealed.
* Ensure that the media legal framework is implemented properly, with particular attention to the legislation regarding the free access of information. As per the law, ensure that state agencies promptly provide media outlets with requested public information.
* End the cycle of impunity for all attacks on journalists, including those who were physically assaulted in the protests against the “Transparency of Foreign Influence Law” in 2023 or 2024 as well as in the violence of July 2021 or June 2020. The vandalism committed against media offices and journalists, as well as an unprecedented number of insulting and threatening calls to journalists, should be investigated thoroughly.
* Ensure editorial and financial independence for Georgia’s public broadcaster.
* Strengthening the capacity of the agency responsible for the implementation of the Law on Free Access to Information, and ensuring that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is presented to the Parliament.
* Take concrete steps to ensure the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. Stop using the courts to discredit the media and silence dissenting voices.
* 03/10/2024: Partners of CoE Platform for Journalists’ Safety and MFRR conclude Tbilisi Mission
* 03/05/2024: Georgia’s Ranking Drops by 26 Places to Land at 103rd on the RSF Press Freedom Ranking
* 16/05/2024: RSF calls for transparent investigation of attacks on journalists
RSF calls for transparent investigation of attacks on journalists
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