The United Kingdom and Finland, serving as co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition, have published a joint article to mark World Press Freedom Day, observed on May 3.
It emphasizes that free, independent, and pluralistic media are an essential foundation of democracy, peace, and security, and that protecting journalists is a key focus of the Media Freedom Coalition, which brings together 51 countries.
“Free, independent, and pluralistic media are not a luxury. They are one of the foundations of peace, democracy, and security. This is why the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) exists,” the authors note.
Modern threats to press freedom go beyond traditional censorship, they state. The article pays special attention to the problem of disinformation and hybrid threats, where “information itself has become a battlefield.” In this context, it is emphasized that countering disinformation is not directed against freedom of speech, but is intended to protect it and maintain trust in journalism.
The article highlights the importance of media literacy and digital education as tools for increasing societal resilience. Finland is cited as an example, where systematic work in this area allows citizens to navigate the information space more confidently.
Regarding Georgia, the authors noted “alarming trends” and cited the press freedom ranking by the NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which in Georgia’s case has plummeted, dropping from 77th place in 2022 to 135th in 2026.
«This is one of the sharpest declines. RSF classifies Georgia’s media environment as “difficult,” citing government interference, violence against journalists, and restrictive legislation that narrows the space for free expression. It is recorded that at least 50 journalists were injured, beaten, detained, or faced obstacles during demonstrations. These attacks are unacceptable. Journalists must be able to freely investigate, report on events, and question those in power without fear,” the authors write.
The article also mentions the OSCE Moscow Mechanism report, which draws attention to the systematic use of violence during protests in Tbilisi and other Georgian cities in 2024–2025, including against journalists.
The article also refers to the report by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, which “notes a lack of accountability for allegations of illegal arrests and excessive use of force against protesters and journalists during the 2024–2025 protests, as well as increasingly restrictive legislation affecting the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.”
The case of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli is mentioned separately, cited in the statement as an example of pressure on the profession. The authors call for her release and emphasize that the persecution of journalists is used as a tool to intimidate the entire professional community.
“The case of Mzia Amaglobeli vividly symbolizes what is at stake. Her arrest, treatment, and detention following the 2025 protests were condemned internationally as unjust and politically motivated. We once again call for her release. The purpose of detaining a journalist like Mzia Amaglobeli is to intimidate the entire profession,” the authors write.
In conclusion, the UK and Finland reaffirm their commitment to protecting freedom of expression and the safety of journalists, reminding that these rights are enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and are the foundation of a democratic society.
“On this World Press Freedom Day, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the safety of journalists worldwide. The United Kingdom and Finland, as co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition, with the support of MFC member states — Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden,” the article reads.
Additionally, Finland in South Caucasus is the diplomatic representation and activity of Finland’s roving ambassador, who oversees Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
The ambassador is based in Helsinki, providing a diplomatic presence without permanent missions in the region, and also supports the work of the Fund for Local Cooperation (FLC).
