Help Georgia’s media survive an authoritarian crackdown

UPDATE (5 December 2024):

Georgia’s fragile democracy is facing its greatest challenge yet. Nationwide protests, sparked by the government’s decision to delay EU accession ‘until 2028’ continue to grow, fueled by frustration over fraudulent October elections, the newly adopted foreign agent law, and systemic democratic backsliding. Free, non-partisan media remains essential to documenting these historic events and holding those in power to account.

Journalists and media workers have been consistently targeted and attacked by riot police during the new wave of ongoing protests (29 November — present), with many brutally beaten, requiring medical assistance and surgery. Equipment has been destroyed or damaged, including cameras belonging to our co-director and journalist, Mariam Nikuradze.

This is a plea: we desperately need your help. The Georgian government has been severing its ties with our Western partners, pushing the country into Russia’s orbit, and succumbing to the whims of billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.

The free press is one of the last remaining checks on the Georgian Dream’s authoritarian slide.

Thanks to your generous donations, we have already provided essential safety equipment such as helmets, gas masks, and first aid kits to 11 media outlets (including OC Media) as well as four freelance journalists and photographers covering the protests — to protect our colleagues and keep critical reporting alive.

But there’s still much to do.

Your support enables us to:

The stakes have never been higher. The government’s actions threaten not just the media, but the very fabric of Georgia’s democracy.

Please stand with us in defence of the free press and democracy in Georgia! Donate today.

If you want to help support OC Media’s coverage with a monthly contribution, become an OC Media member.

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This campaign is run by OC Media and its partner media outlets, On .ge, SOVA News, and Jnews.

All proceeds will go to the following media outlets based in Georgia: LIST.