**Journalists and Activists Face Border Refusals in Georgia**
In a disturbing trend, journalists and activists have been denied entry to Georgia, with the latest case involving French freelance photojournalist Hicham El Bouhmidi. This move appears to be part of a broader pattern of border refusals targeting those who report on or criticize the Georgian government.
El Bouhmidi was recently interrogated at the Armenian-Georgian border for six hours before being handed an official entry refusal document citing “other cases envisaged by Georgian legislation.” This vague provision has been used in similar cases against journalists, including French photographers Jérôme Chobeaux, Clément Girardot, and Marylise Vigneau.
The photographer noted that the same clause has been used to deny entry to Russian and Belarusian citizens who have spoken out against their regimes. El Bouhmidi was not surprised by his own denial, as he had expected it due to his critical reporting on the Georgian government’s authoritarian tendencies.
**A Pattern of Border Refusals**
This case is part of a growing trend of border refusals targeting journalists and activists in Georgia. In May, EU diplomat Simon Vanderbroucke was denied entry, marking the first such reported case involving a diplomat. Dutch journalist Joost Bosman was also turned away at the Georgian border twice in July, with officials citing vague grounds and an administrative fine that had already been waived.
The Polish and French embassies in Georgia have issued advisories warning their citizens of potential entry risks, including participation in protests and social media activity, before traveling to the country.
**Concerns Over Free Speech and Press Freedom**
These border refusals raise concerns over free speech and press freedom in Georgia. The Georgian government has faced criticism for its treatment of journalists and activists, with many believing that their political views or reporting critical of the ruling party were key factors in their rejection.
As a result, international press groups have demanded immediate action amid journalist assaults in Tbilisi. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has also expressed concern over the Georgian government’s treatment of journalists and activists.
**Conclusion**
The denial of entry to Georgia for Hicham El Bouhmidi and other journalists and activists is a worrying trend that raises serious concerns about free speech and press freedom in the country. It is essential that the international community holds the Georgian government accountable for its actions and ensures that all citizens, regardless of their nationality or profession, are treated fairly and have access to the information they need.
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