Freedom of speech and media rights have been a significant problem in the de facto republic of South Ossetia for years. Persecution of civil activists and harassment of media representatives due to freedom of speech have become a common practice.

Reports have been spread about another fact of pressure on independent media by the de facto authorities of South Ossetia. Namely, the relevant information became known from the public Telegram status of the editor of the online outlet - Sapa Tskhinvali, Alina Jigkaeva. Sapa Tskhinvali became the target of censorship and pressure after they disseminated information about the health condition of Alan Gagloev.

According to Jigkaeva, before starting her work in Tskhinvali, during a friendly meeting with de facto president Alan Gagloev, the editor introduced the main directions of the outlet’s editorial policy, which included covering social issues and refraining from politically sensitive topics. After the start of information activities, the de facto government began to impose restrictions on the outlet and set full control over its information policy as a condition for accreditation. The de facto government also expressed dissatisfaction with the editorial staff and demanded the dismissal of certain journalists. Due to the failure to comply with the restrictions, the de facto government refused to accredit the outlet. As a result, civil servants of the de facto government who communicated with Sapa Tskhinvali encountered obstacles. The lack of accreditation led to the cessation of all official communication with the outlet.