The European Federation of Journalists called for sanctions against the leaders of the “Georgian Dream”

The European Federation of Journalists has called on the EU to impose sanctions against leaders of the Georgian Dream party over systematic violations of journalists' rights in Georgia, including violence and harassment of independent media representatives.

European organizations defending press freedom and human rights have expressed solidarity with Georgian journalists who are facing violence, threats and harassment during protests against the suspension of the country's EU accession talks.

This is stated in a statement on the website of the European Federation of Journalists.

In their statement, the organizations called on the international community to take decisive action, including sanctions against those responsible for violating the rights of journalists.

According to the MFRR platform, since the protests began on November 28, 2024, at least 81 journalists have been victims of physical attacks, verbal abuse or obstruction of their work. The victims are predominantly independent media workers and journalists critical of the government.

One of the most high-profile cases was the attack on journalist Aleksandar Keshelashvili from the independent media outlet Publika.ge. While recording the protests, he was beaten, his equipment confiscated, and detained without explanation. He was diagnosed with a broken nose and concussion in hospital.

Another journalist, Guram Rogava from Formula TV, was severely beaten during the dispersal of the demonstration. He suffered serious injuries, including fractures to his facial bones and cervical vertebrae.

European organizations emphasize that the attacks on journalists in Georgia come against the backdrop of a deterioration in freedom of speech and increasing government pressure on independent media. In their statement, they highlighted the ominous signs of a takeover of the state, where the ruling party «Georgian Dream» controls key state institutions, including the judiciary, and perpetrators of attacks on journalists usually go unpunished.

The organizations called on the European Union, Georgia's strategic partners, and the international community to impose sanctions on the leaders of the «Georgian Dream» and individuals involved in violations of journalists' rights and democratic principles.

European media organizations expressed solidarity with Georgian journalists and praised their courage in difficult circumstances. Their work is crucial to preserving freedom of expression in the country.

The statement was joined by more than 30 organizations, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), the International Press Institute (IPI), as well as representatives of the media communities from Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, Romania, Croatia and other countries.