The NGO “Media Advocacy Coalition” has responded to the attack on journalist Gela Mtivlishvili. The organization emphasizes that any violence against independent journalists directly undermines media freedom, democracy, and the public’s right to receive reliable information.
The organization stressed that the climate of impunity only exacerbates the problem: perfunctory investigations into such incidents fail to protect journalists; instead, they create a breeding ground for further attacks and make media work increasingly dangerous.
Journalist Gela Mtivlishvili reported an attack after a broadcast
The coalition noted that this is not the first instance of pressure on Mtivlishvili, recalling that for many years he has faced threats and aggressive campaigns, including from representatives of the ruling Georgian Dream party.
The NGO emphasizes that the journalist specializes in investigating corruption, abuse of power, and human rights violations, and is considered one of the country’s most prominent professional journalists.
Head of the HPP association responded to allegations of attacking the journalist: “I beat you to it”
The NGO also cited data from Reporters Without Borders (RSF), according to which Georgia has dropped another 21 positions in the World Press Freedom Index over the past year, and a total of 75 positions over several years. According to them, this reflects sustained pressure on the media.
The Media Advocacy Coalition expressed full solidarity with Gela Mtivlishvili and other journalists working in difficult conditions, emphasizing that impunity for attacks on media representatives must end.
Advocacy Coalition: Pressure on media intensifies in Georgia — over 300 cases in a year
