Reporters Without Borders Concerned About Alexander Malkevich's Presence in Tbilisi During Elections
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, November 1, 2024
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has expressed concern over Alexander Malkevich, founder of a propaganda network in occupied Ukraine, being in Tbilisi during the October 26 elections. The organization warned that Malkevich, known as a Kremlin's propagandist, could spread Russian disinformation in Georgia.
Markian Kuzmowycz, a digital threat analyst wrote on his X account on October 30: "Kremlin propagandist Alexander Malkevich, sanctioned for meddling in US elections and responsible for much of RU propaganda in occupied Ukraine, has been on the ground in Tbilisi for several days."
Malkevich is wanted and sanctioned by the U.S. and Ukraine for his propaganda activities and has ties to Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner Group. He confirmed his visit to Georgia, claiming to be interested in the election campaign and voting process.
In a Russian interview, Malkevich stated that the ruling party, Georgian Dream, is not pro-Russian but represents Georgia's national interests. He also claimed that Georgians want peaceful cooperation with Russia.
RSF's investigation revealed that Malkevich has significant resources, allowing him to channel funds and personnel from St. Petersburg to media operations in occupied Ukraine. Sources confirmed that he took control of local propaganda channels in Mariupol, Kherson, and Melitopol, intensifying the information war.
Malkevich's previous visit to the occupied Tskhinvali region in 2023, where he met with the de-facto president Alan Gagloev, raises further legal concerns under Georgian occupation laws.
