Tamar Kintsurashvili: A Champion of Freedom of Speech in Georgia
Tamar Kintsurashvili, a veteran Georgian journalist and media development advocate, has dedicated her life to fostering democratic values and a free press in her homeland. Witnessing the oppressive nature of the Soviet regime, she understood the vital role of an active citizenry and a balanced media landscape in a functioning democracy. Following Georgia’s independence in 1991, she embarked on a career in journalism, later transitioning to lead a media development foundation that champions civic freedoms and human rights. Her unwavering commitment to truth and combating disinformation has earned her the 2024 Deutsche Welle (DW) Freedom of Speech Award.
Kintsurashvili’s work is focused on empowering citizens with the tools to navigate the increasingly complex information landscape. Through workshops and training sessions, she equips individuals with fact-checking skills and strategies to counter hate speech. This work is becoming increasingly challenging as Georgia faces a wave of repressive measures aimed at silencing critical voices and curtailing media freedoms. These measures have created a chilling effect on independent media and civil society organizations, making Kintsurashvili’s work all the more vital.
The DW Freedom of Speech Award recognizes Kintsurashvili’s steadfast determination to fight disinformation and propaganda, both domestically and from abroad. DW Director General Peter Limbourg highlighted the importance of her work in bolstering public trust in media and safeguarding free speech, particularly at a time when Georgia faces a significant democratic backslide. Limbourg emphasized the precarious situation in Georgia, characterized by a weakened opposition in parliament, stalled EU accession talks, and the introduction of draconian press laws reminiscent of those in Russia. This environment of increasing control and restricted freedoms underscores the significance of Kintsurashvili’s contributions.
Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, often described as pro-Moscow, introduced a controversial "foreign agents" law requiring organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as "agents of foreign influence." Kintsurashvili’s foundation, fully funded from abroad, refuses to comply with this law, viewing it as an attempt to discredit their work and undermine public trust in independent organizations. She asserts that access to credible information is crucial for informed decision-making, a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. This legislation sparked widespread protests and international condemnation, highlighting the growing concerns about Georgia’s democratic trajectory.
The pressure on Kintsurashvili and her colleagues has intensified, extending beyond legislative measures to personal harassment and intimidation. She recounted incidents of vandalism, threatening phone calls, and verbal abuse targeting her and her family. These actions underscore the risks faced by those who dare to challenge the increasingly authoritarian government. Despite these challenges, Kintsurashvili and her organization have joined forces with others to challenge the "foreign agents" law in the European Court of Human Rights, demonstrating their commitment to upholding democratic principles and international legal standards.
Kintsurashvili’s career in journalism began amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Soviet Union’s collapse and the subsequent Georgian civil war. Her experience interviewing influential figures like Eduard Shevardnadze, the last Soviet foreign minister and Georgia’s first post-Soviet president, provided valuable insights into the complexities of power and politics. International fellowships allowed her to further hone her journalistic skills and learn from established media organizations like Reuters. This experience laid the foundation for her later work in promoting media development and combating disinformation. She has since dedicated her work to equipping others with the critical thinking skills necessary to discern truth from falsehood in an increasingly complex media environment.
Kintsurashvili recognizes the evolving nature of media consumption and the need for media literacy among both journalists and the public. The rise of digital platforms and the spread of misinformation necessitate the ability to distinguish facts from fabricated news. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing that powerful entities, including governments and autocrats, often manipulate information to sway public opinion. Her work addresses this challenge head-on, providing essential training to empower citizens to become critical consumers of information.
The DW Freedom of Speech Award serves as a powerful symbol of support and encouragement for Kintsurashvili and her colleagues working under increasingly challenging circumstances. The award acknowledges the importance of their work in promoting democratic values and a free press in Georgia. Kintsurashvili views the award as a message of solidarity, reinforcing their commitment to building a better and more democratic future for their country. It serves as a reminder that their efforts are not in vain and that they are part of a global community committed to upholding freedom of speech and human rights. Her work continues to be a beacon of hope in a nation grappling with democratic backsliding and increasing restrictions on fundamental freedoms.