Oppression of independent media is intensified in Georgia

The Parliament of Georgia enforced a new “foreign influence” bill in the first reading.

Georgian journalist Anna Gvarishvili posted on Twitter that alongside the “foreign agents” bill, the parliament also passed a new media law that significantly restricts funding for independent media.

1/ Today, Georgian Dream’s illegitimate parliament passed two bills: the so-called FARA, which is a direct translation of the U.S. law, and a media restriction bill in its first hearing.

What is the second bill about? A thread 🧵

— Anna Gvarishvili (@AnnaGvarishvili) March 4, 2025

“According to this law, TV companies are not allowed to receive any direct or indirect funding from a ‘foreign force,’ including money, property or other material benefits,” Gvarishvili wrote.

According to the law, “indirect funding” includes the participation of journalists in training, seminars or workshops if they are funded by foreign organizations. In addition, “broadcasters will not be allowed to receive direct or indirect financial compensation for airing social advertisements.” Gvarishvili emphasizes that these innovations will primarily affect the independent Georgian media, which are not financially self-sufficient.

Moreover, the ruling party Georgian Dream is considering introducing state regulation of social media. “The Georgian Dream has taken it a step further by contemplating the regulation of social media, arguing that it has a significant impact on society. Sometimes even greater than TV and radio,” Gvarishvili noted.

6/ Why is this important? Once again, it’s crucial to understand that Georgian media is not financially self-sufficient—for many reasons, including a small market, restrictive regulations, and a weak economy.

— Anna Gvarishvili (@AnnaGvarishvili) March 4, 2025

7/ While opposition TV channels are counting their last days, funding from foreign organizations is vital for Georgian media, which is already struggling to survive because of the #RussianLaw.

— Anna Gvarishvili (@AnnaGvarishvili) March 4, 2025

The “foreign agents” bill, adopted in the first reading on Mar. 4, is a tougher version of a similar document adopted back in 2024. It introduces criminal liability for the refusal to register as a “foreign agent” and extends this definition not only to organizations but also to individuals. The author of the bill, Archil Gorduladze of the Georgian Dream Party said that the new law is a copy of the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), adopted in the US in 1938. However, the comparison is not relevant since FARA does not prohibit lobbying for foreign interests, nor does it ban or restrict any specific activities.

In February, there were also initiated amendments to the Law on Broadcasting in Georgia. They prohibit journalists from expressing their own views in news and analytical programs. Among the new restrictions:

• journalists and TV hosts cannot openly support or condemn any political party or public association;
• journalists may not record interviews or telephone conversations without prior notice to the interviewee;
• TV channels are obliged to clearly separate news from commentary and prevent distortion of facts;
• participation of politicians as journalists or news program hosts is prohibited;
• in case of a factual error, the channel is obliged to correct it immediately.

In June 2024, a law identical to the Russian bill “On Transparency of Foreign Influence” officially came into force in Georgia after it was signed by the Speaker of the Parliament, overriding the veto of President Salome Zourabichvili.

On Oct. 26, parliamentary elections were held in Georgia, with the Georgian Dream party winning with 54% of the vote. The opposition refused to recognize the results citing violations and pressure, and announced a boycott of parliament.

In November 2024, publishers and writers went on a peaceful protest against the results of parliamentary elections. President Salome Zourabichvili supported the protesters, and the European Parliament called for new elections. At the same time, Georgian courts rejected lawsuits to cancel the results. The opposition began indefinite protests while the Georgian Dream Party approved the new parliament. Immediately after, the body announced the suspension of negotiations with the EU until 2028, which led to new fights.

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Main image: Getty Images

Copy editing: Ben Angel