The International Fact-Checking Network strongly condemns recent actions in Europe by Georgian authorities targeting independent fact-checkers and civil society. Investigations launched by the Anti-Corruption Bureau, along with threats of criminal liability under the so-called “foreign agents” law, mark an alarming escalation against organizations that provide reliable information to the public.
The Media Development Foundation (MDF), home to Myth Detector, an IFCN-verified signatory to the Code of Principles, reports mounting pressure, including demands to turn over sensitive personal data of partners and beneficiaries. MDF says these measures lack legal foundation and violate privacy.
Authorities initiated the investigation based on publicly available information already listed on MDF’s website — including donor funding and project activities — and even cited public remarks by editor Tamar Kintsurashvili, such as her acceptance speech at the Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum, where she received the Freedom of Speech Award, as grounds for inspection.
Targeted organizations describe these actions as persecution of independent nonprofit groups and free media, aimed at ending democracy “like in Putin’s Russia.”
“The work of our organization, such as media literacy, combating FIMI (foreign information manipulation and interference), and other media integrity initiatives funded by the Western donors, serves the interests of Georgia’s citizens and directly aligns with the legislation, national curriculum and policy documents adopted by the state institutions,” Kintsurashvili said in a statement.
These moves come despite international condemnation. The European Fact-Checking Standards Network, Amnesty International, the Council of Europe’s safety-of-journalists platform, and U.S. senators from both parties have warned that Georgia’s actions threaten freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the country’s democratic trajectory.
Fact-checking organizations in Georgia are respected members of the international fact-checking community. As longtime signatories to the IFCN Code of Principles, Myth Detector and FactCheck Georgia meet global standards of transparency, independence and nonpartisanship. Their work holds power to account and ensures citizens have access to verified, reliable information.
The IFCN condemns these attacks and calls on the Georgian authorities to immediately stop harassing fact-checkers and civil society. Independent journalism must be able to operate without fear of reprisal.
Founded in 2015, the IFCN defends press freedom and supports fact-checkers worldwide. We stand with our colleagues in Georgia.
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