UK and Finland-led Media Freedom Coalition warns against attacks on journalists, cites concerns over Georgia

The British Embassy in Georgia has published a joint statement by the co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition — the United Kingdom and Finland — marking World Press Freedom Day and warning that journalists must be able to question government actions without fear.

The statement says press freedom remains a “fundamental pillar of peace, democracy and security”, stressing that free and independent media is not a luxury but a necessity for democratic societies.

It highlights growing challenges facing the media globally, including disinformation and hybrid threats, saying information is increasingly used as a “weapon” to distort public debate.

The coalition, co-chaired by the UK and Finland and bringing together 51 countries, says it works with journalists, civil society and international organisations to strengthen legal protections, accountability for crimes against journalists and coordinated international responses.

The statement also points to concerns over media conditions in Georgia, referencing data from Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which shows a sharp decline in the country’s press freedom ranking from 77th in 2022 to 135th in 2026. RSF describes Georgia’s media environment as “difficult” and cites interference in journalistic work, violence against journalists and restrictive legislation.

It notes documented cases of at least 50 journalists being injured, assaulted, detained or obstructed while covering protests in recent years, calling such attacks “unacceptable”.

“Journalists must have the ability to investigate, report and question government actions without fear,” the statement says.

It also references findings from OSCE mechanisms and the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, which raised concerns about excessive use of force, unlawful detentions during protests in 2024–2025, and lack of accountability.

The statement further highlights the case of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, whose detention and imprisonment following protests in 2025 has been condemned internationally as unjust and politically motivated, with calls for her release reiterated.

World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on 3 May, is described in the statement as an opportunity to reaffirm support for journalists who “continue to speak truth, often at personal risk”.

The declaration is supported by coalition member states including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Sweden.