In the press freedom ranking by the international organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Georgia has dropped 26 places to 103rd out of 180 countries. As of 2024, the media situation in Georgia is rated as "difficult."
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Based on the report, media censorship in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, particularly in Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan, has been strengthened by effectively emulating Russian repressive methods.
"Countries that have suffered significant falls include Georgia (103rd), which has fallen 26 places. Its ruling party continues to polarize society, cultivates a rapprochement with Moscow and conducts a policy that is increasingly hostile to press freedom," the report states. In 2023, Georgia was ranked 77th in the press freedom index.
Georgia's situation has also worsened regarding the security indicator, which assesses the ability to identify, collect, and disseminate information without undue risk of physical, psychological, or professional harm. The report notes that the environment for independent and oppositional media in Georgia remains hostile, with increasing verbal and physical attacks on journalists, attempts to pass laws aimed at marginalizing independent media, and efforts to narrow the space for free speech.
Regarding neighboring countries, Azerbaijan is ranked 164th, Russia 162nd, Turkey 158th, and Armenia 43rd. In Azerbaijan, all indicators have deteriorated, which the organization attributes to media raids preceding the presidential elections.
China is ranked 172nd in the press freedom rating, described by the organization as "the world's largest prison for journalists." "its regime conducts a campaign of repression against journalism and the right to information worldwide," reports Reporters Without Borders.
European countries have the best results in the ranking. The top five are Norway, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Finland.
