Mindia Gabadze

Affiliated media: Publica , Journalist

Incident date: September 3, 2025

Attack type:

• Bullying, intimidation, pressure, threats of violence and death, including cyber-

Who attacked: Authorities

Source: Media Freedom Rapid Response

Location: Georgia, Tbilisi

Additional information:

On 3 September 2025, leaders of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, together with their supporters, held the ceremonial opening of Kakha Kaladze’s election headquarters in Tbilisi, while protesters gathered outside. During the event, GD member and former MP Beka Odisharia insulted Publika journalist Mindia Gabadze, telling him, “You are f****d.” Odisharia also directed insults at protesters. Afterward, Gabadze told the International Press Institute that the incident reflected the government’s dismissive attitude toward both citizens and journalists. He said police routinely ignore violence and violations committed by government members and their supporters, effectively backing such behaviour. According to him, Georgia has long been governed by a “law of the jungle,” where people are forced to protect themselves physically because they cannot rely on institutions such as the police, the courts, or other authorities.