Georgia: Mariam Tsitsikashvili’s Arrest Highlights Growing Threats to Press Freedom in Georgia
Tsitsikashvili, editor of Fact-Meter, was charged with petty hooliganism following confrontation with MP over the controversial foreign agent law
Location:Georgia, Tbilisi
Date: June 11, 2024
Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the arrest of Mariam Tsitsikashvili, the editor of Fact-Meter, following her confrontation with MP Viktor Japaridze over the controversial foreign agent law. Tsitsikashvili’s arrest on charges of petty hooliganism is not just an isolated event; it reflects a broader pattern of harassment and intimidation against the press in Georgia. The discriminatory remarks made by MP Japaridze during the altercation, and the subsequent actions of the police, underscore a deep-seated disregard for the rights and dignity of those who challenge the government's narrative. The foreign agent law, recently passed by Georgia’s parliament, poses a severe threat to the independence of media and civil society organizations. By branding these entities as "organizations carrying out the interests of a foreign power" if they receive over 20% of their funding from abroad, the law aims to stifle dissent and undermine the essential role of the press in holding power to account. Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Mariam Tsitsikashvili and all journalists in Georgia who face escalating threats and violence for their work. The targeting of journalists through legal persecution, physical attacks, and smear campaigns is an egregious violation of press freedom and democratic norms.
Mariam Tsitsikashvili, editor of the Georgian fact-checking platform Fact-Meter, was arrested on charges of petty hooliganism after a heated exchange with MP Viktor Japaridze at Tbilisi International Airport. The confrontation stemmed from Japaridze's support of the contentious foreign agent law.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, was captured on video. Tsitsikashvili can be seen telling Japaridze, "You should hide, you should be ashamed," as a police officer attempts to keep the situation from escalating. During the argument, Tsitsikashvili mentioned her Ossetian heritage, to which Japaridze responded with a dismissive, "You seem to be."
“They confiscated our passports and, for an hour, various officials dressed in black from different agencies were only interested in our workplace,” says Tsitsikashvili. “Eventually, I was informed that under Article 166, for ‘disturbing public order,’ I was being arrested as a ‘petty hooligan.’"
Tsitsikashvili was taken to Tbilisi City Court, where her session was adjourned until mid-June. Both she and Gurgenashvili were allowed to leave the country on Monday. In response to the arrest, Georgia’s Reforms Associates (GRASS), the organization behind Fact-Meter, issued a statement denouncing the charges as a breach of constitutional rights and an indication of increasing authoritarianism in Georgia.
GRASS highlighted Japaridze’s comments as discriminatory, violating the parliamentary Code of Ethics, which mandates equal treatment of all citizens regardless of ethnicity. The organization announced plans to seek redress from the parliament’s Ethics Council and claimed a financial loss of ₾800 ($280) due to the missed flight.
The foreign agent law, passed by Georgia’s parliament on May 14, 2024, amidst significant protests, labels any civil society or media organization receiving more than 20% of its funding from abroad as "organizations carrying out the interests of a foreign power." Women Press Freedom denounces this move due to the law’s potential to stifle dissent and limit press freedom.
The situation in Georgia has drawn international attention, with Women Press Freedom documenting numerous journalists facing harassment, attacks, and legal challenges due to their opposition to the law. In the weeks leading up to Tsitsikashvili’s arrest, reporters covering protests and the adoption of the law were impeded, assaulted, and subjected to smear campaigns. These actions have been widely condemned as violations of press freedom and democratic principles.
Washington announced on June 6, 2024, that it is imposing individual visa bans on members of the Georgian Dream party, including MPs, law enforcement officials, private citizens, and their families. The sanctions target those “complicit” in undermining Georgia’s democracy by “undermining freedoms of peaceful assembly and association, violently attacking peaceful protesters, intimidating civil society representatives, and deliberately spreading disinformation at the direction of the Georgian Government.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken had previously cautioned that visa bans could be implemented following the bill's initial passage by Georgia's parliament last month. He also mentioned that the U.S. is reassessing its financial aid to Georgia, which has totaled $390 million in recent years.
Women Press Freedom urges international bodies and democratic nations to continue applying diplomatic pressure on the Georgian government to respect and protect the rights of journalists and safeguard the freedom of the press. As an aspiring member of the European Union, Georgia must adhere to the principles of transparency, accountability, and media freedom. The ongoing assaults on journalists and the implementation of repressive laws are incompatible with these values. The time to act is now, before irreparable harm is done to Georgia’s democratic fabric and media landscape.
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