Free Media Awards
2026
iFact (Georgia)
iFact is receiving a Free Media Award for its significant investigative journalism on matters of great public interest in Georgia that others are trying to conceal. The investigative journalists at the Tbilisi-based news outlet are behind major investigations into Russian influence in the country and ties to the Georgian Dream Party, as well as corruption among the elite at state level.
The iFact reports that have had the greatest public impact include the undermining of the independence of the country’s Ombudsman, the misuse of Georgia’s borders as ‘green corridors’ to circumvent sanctions, and Russian funding of Georgian organisations to promote pro-Russian views. With the utmost integrity, iFact has contributed to cross-border journalistic collaboration. Despite increasing pressure, iFact continues to be a rock-solid media platform. iFact was established in 2016 by Nino Bakradze and Nino Gagua. Nino Bakradze has held the position of editor-in-chief since the very beginning.