Georgian journalists visited Poland to learn new skills and seek solutions to growing disinformation problems.
A study visit by Georgian journalists, organised as part of the Local Community Accelerator project, took place in Warsaw from 10-14 March 2025.
This was a continuation of the training initiative that took place in Georgia in 2024. The main objective of the visit to Poland was to support the local Georgian media, deepen their journalistic competences and exchange experiences with the Polish media.
Intensive programme and key topics
During the four-day stay, participants attended a series of meetings and workshops focusing on the key challenges of contemporary journalism:
- fact-checking and information verification - participants learned about techniques for detecting false narratives and OSINT methodology,
- challenges of local media - meeting with experts on the role of independent journalists in the fight against disinformation and media manipulation,
- AI and new technologies in journalism - an analysis of the impact of artificial intelligence on the media and how it can be used in editorial offices,
- Media freedom and SLAPPs - a discussion of legal mechanisms to defend independent journalists against abusive lawsuits,
- cross-border media cooperation - opportunities for networking and experience exchange between journalists from Poland and Georgia.
The visit included meetings with media experts, including representatives of Press Club Poland, Outriders, Radio 357 and the Reporters Foundation.
Participants' voices: journalism on the line
Georgian journalists stressed that independent media in their country are facing increasing pressure and disinformation, and that international support is crucial for them.
Maia Mamulashvili (mck.ge): ‘Georgia is in a very difficult political situation. The government is restricting freedom of expression and the free media is under constant fire from trolls and disinformation. As journalists, we are finding it increasingly difficult to access public information. We have to fight for democracy and freedom of expression.’
Levan Uridia (Ssip ‘Sazogadoebriwi mauckheblis’): ‘Russia is waging a hybrid war against Georgia, using propaganda, fake news and internet bots. Society is divided, the elderly are particularly susceptible to manipulation. That is why it is so important to support independent journalists who can provide citizens with reliable information.’
Nazibrola Rekhviashvili (geofacts.ee): ‘Propaganda in Georgia is a powerful tool used by the government. Divisions in society are artificially created and independent media have to fight every day for the right to freedom of expression. Without international support and media education, it will be difficult to overcome disinformation.’
Independent media under pressure
Despite the increasingly difficult political situation in Georgia, it isworth supporting democratic circles and independent media. As participants emphasised, being inspired by the Polish experience in the fight for free media gives them new motivation to act.
The Local Community Accelerator project does not end with this visit - further initiatives are planned to empower Georgian journalists and support them in building independent media.