**Georgian Government Cracks Down on Journalists, RSF Says**
A Paris-based press freedom watchdog has condemned the Georgian government’s denial of entry to two French journalists, Jérôme Chobeaux and Clément Girardot. The reporters had been covering post-election protests in the country.
Despite having worked in Georgia for over a decade, Clément Girardot was denied entry on February 12 without any valid reason. His appeal was rejected by the Ministry of Interior, and a court hearing is scheduled for June 23, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
**Journalists Face Increasing Repression**
The RSF has called on the EU and France to “exert pressure” on the Georgian government to uphold press freedom commitments. The watchdog highlights that journalists covering the demonstrations have faced increasing repression since the parliamentary elections of October 2024.
Polish, Czech, Swiss, and French journalists have been denied entry or turned away at the border in recent months. In some cases, they were even arrested or forced to leave the country without explanation.
**A Deliberate Strategy to Intimidate Reporters**
The Head of RSF’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Desk, Jeanne Cavelier, denounced what she called a “deliberate strategy” by the authorities to intimidate reporters. She urged the ruling party to uphold Georgia’s press freedom commitments and called on France and the European Union to exert pressure on the Georgian government.
**A Pattern of Abusive Expulsions**
The RSF notes that the bans are illustrative of the authorities’ broader arbitrary restrictions on reporters. Girardot, who has worked with international print outlets such as Le Monde, Society, and Al Jazeera, was stopped at passport control without explanation, citing “other reasons” from a list of denial of entry.
**What’s Next?**
The RSF will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for press freedom in Georgia. The organization hopes that the EU and France will take action to address the growing concerns over media repression in the country.
Read More @ civil.ge