Georgian editor fined ₾ 5000 for 'road blockage' during protest

Khatia Gogoberidze, the editor-in-chief of the media outlet April, has been fined GEL 5000 (approx. $1825) for allegedly participating in an illegal road blockade during a recent protest, according to a statement by the publication.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs issued the administrative violation report against Gogoberidze on April 4. She has formally appealed the fine, arguing that she was present at the protest solely in her capacity as a journalist. In her written and oral explanations to the ministry, Gogoberidze emphasized that she was covering the demonstration as part of her professional duties.

Despite this, the Ministry of Internal Affairs rejected her appeal, classifying her as a protest participant in its decision. April reported that after the appeal was submitted, the ministry demanded evidence—specifically, published materials from the day of the protest. However, media April has pointed out that journalistic work includes not only immediate publication but also information gathering and observation, which may not be published for weeks or even at all.

The outlet emphasized that editorial decisions about whether to publish coverage are up to the media’s discretion, not the authorities. Nonetheless, they provided the ministry with the materials produced that day and reiterated their position that Gogoberidze was acting as a journalist, not a protester.

Khatia Gogoberidze plans to challenge the fine in court.

This incident comes amid a troubling pattern of Georgian journalists being fined while covering protests. On May 30, journalist Natia Gogsadze was fined 5,000 lari for similar reasons. A week earlier, Publika journalist Mariam Kavshbaia faced the same fine, while Mariam Nikuradze, founder of OC Media, has also been repeatedly fined. Several other journalists have faced similar penalties for doing their jobs.