Since large-scale pro-European protests began in Georgia last November, the self-declared Georgian Dream (GD) government has been making every effort to end the daily gatherings in front of the parliamentary building.

First, they used heavy beatings, tear gas, and water cannons, but that only drove more people to the streets. Consequently, GD shifted its approach from physical oppression to financial measures. By the beginning of 2025, unlawfully blocking streets could be fined with €1,608 – double the average monthly salary in Georgia.

According to NGOs, a total of €639,647 has been handed out in fines. These fines are enforced through Chinese surveillance cameras, which indiscriminately target anyone, including journalists and photographers.

One is Maksim Bakradze, a cameraman and photographer covering the daily rallies, who recounted his experience to The European Correspondent. He was nearly fined for ”blocking the road”, but his penalty was revoked due to his profession. However, he still received a second fine shortly afterwards, which he is appealing. Whatever the outcome, like many other fined journalists, he does not plan to quit covering the daily rallies.