2025-06-20
The ZEG Festival in Tbilisi took place on June 13-15, and became a showcase of international solidarity as journalists face mounting repression worldwide.
Unlike traditional media gatherings focused on industry navel-gazing, ZEG positioned journalism and storytelling within a broader context, bringing together voices from politics, the arts, social movements, and advocacy to explore shared challenges in holding power to account. The programme reflected a fierce determination to resist authoritarianism wherever it emerges, whilst moving attendees to tears on numerous occasions.
The festival's programme reflected this, including "The Architecture of Power", which examined Bangladesh's political history through the personal narratives of an internationally renowned journalist and lawyer, or "The Art of Resistance: Mocao's Journey", a theatrical performance showcasing rehabilitation work with Colombian protesters who suffered ocular injuries at police hands.
Other sessions included "The Oligarch's Playbook", distilling investigative reporting on the global rise of this powerful class, and "The Museum of Stolen History", where the team of The Continent, a digital newspaper covering Africa distributed through WhatsApp, demonstrated innovative approaches to covering colonial artefact theft across eight countries. Perhaps most striking was acclaimed pianist Giorgi Gigashvili's live journalism performance, setting to music a Georgian protester's vivid account of his midnight arrest.
In an era when media conferences may sometimes feel disconnected from the real-world concerns, ZEG proved that when journalism is properly contextualised within broader social movements, it can inspire renewed passion and commitment for press freedom.
Georgia's situation
Yet it was Georgia's own political backdrop that lent the gathering its particular urgency and impact. The country's gradual slide towards authoritarianism charged the atmosphere with determination to resist similar processes unfolding globally.
As protesters and public figures in the country face beatings and imprisonment for expressing opposition, one session highlighted the plight of Mzia Amaglobeli, founder and editor of independent outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti. Her outlets pursue regional and national investigations into corruption and political repression, and she now stands trial for what many describe as bogus charges.
Amaglobeli's case exemplifies how governments systematically target journalists and media organisations to restrict public access to critical information. Georgia's introduction of "foreign agent" laws mimicking Russian legislation represents another tool in this arsenal of intimidation.
The session drew parallels to other cases, including the judicial persecution of Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa in the Philippines, who participated virtually. Her case saw journalism organisations mobilise in her support, raising international awareness that eventually led to her release. Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who had targeted Ressa, now faces prosecution by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.
Despite tactics designed to instil fear and silence criticism, speakers throughout the festival delivered a consistent message: remaining silent is not an option, and collective solidarity is essential.
Journalismfund's position
Journalismfund Europe stands in strong opposition to the intimidation, violence and legal targeting of journalists around the world.
Our organisation remains committed to continuing its mission of supporting free and robust journalism through funding for investigative and in-depth reporting and media development.
We remain convinced that any strategy to make journalism more relevant and effective must be grounded not only in renewed vision and resources, but also in a deep commitment to safeguarding the media, cultural, and political foundations of free societies.
"Zeg" means "day after tomorrow" in Georgian, and the festival name proves apt. Whilst participants envisioned future possibilities, they also acknowledged the urgent need to nurture fundamental rights daily.
The festival served as a reminder that journalism's fate is inextricably linked to broader struggles for transparency, justice, and accountability. As authoritarianism rises globally, ZEG Festival demonstrated that journalists, civil society, government and international institutions must stand together.
