Multiple Georgian news sites shut down, leaving many without access to current news updates
Georgian Media Outlets Go Dark in Solidarity for Press Freedom
A coordinated blackout affected some of Georgia's most prominent online media outlets, including Netgazeti, Publika, Batumelebi, and approximately 19 others, on August 13, 2025. The outage, which lasted between 13:30 and 16:00 local time, was part of a campaign titled "The Lights Must Stay On."
During the blackout, visitors attempting to access these media outlets were met with a blank black screen. The cause of the outage remains unconfirmed.
The campaign aimed to draw attention to the declining state of press freedom in Georgia and counter government claims that independent journalists are "foreign agents" working for Western interests. The media outlets returned online following the blackout and encouraged donations to a shared fund to support Georgian media. Foreign nationals were specifically asked to refrain from contributing to avoid potential legal issues under the FARA law.
OC Media, a fellow media outlet, participated in a supporting capacity and donated $5,000 to the fund. The action was a one-time event, intended to draw attention to the challenges faced by independent media in Georgia.
As of now, all affected media outlets are operational again. Further details regarding the outage are not available at this time.
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