Georgian journalists arrested in Batumi

14/01/2025

Here is a  note just sent to me by our Georgian EJ ExCom member Tinatin Dwalishvili about the arrest of a journalists in Batumi. The situation in Georgia is becoming worse day by day and we express our solidarity to all journalists and people fighting  for their  freedom in country under strong Russian influence.

Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder and director of the online media outlet, was arrested in Batumi (Georgia)

A significant protest is underway outside the Batumi City Court following the pre-trial detention order issued against Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of the independent Georgian media outlets *Batumelebi* and *Netgazeti*.

The protest has drawn a diverse crowd, including journalists, politicians, and human rights activists, united in demanding Amaglobeli's immediate release. Demonstrators are voicing concerns about the case, with chants of "Russians," "Ivanishvili's slaves," and "regime slaves" resonating throughout the rally.

Participants argue that there was no legitimate justification for imposing pre-trial detention on Amaglobeli. They allege that the decision was politically motivated, serving the interests of the current regime rather than reflecting an impartial judicial process.

Mzia Amaglobeli faces charges under Article 353 of the Georgian Criminal Code (estimated penalty is 4-6 years in prison), which pertains to assaulting a police officer.

The incident in question occurred during a protest near the Batumi Police Department, where the editor and other protestors were Initially detained under administrative law (She put the protest sticker on the wall). She was released after two hours, only to be re-arrested shortly thereafter (As soon as she left the police station, the police officer started swearing and using foul language towards Mzia, and Mzia slapped him in response). The protestors were sure that police representatives had staged this provocation. Critics view this sequence of events as an attempt to suppress freedom of expression and intimidate the press.

This case has sparked widespread concern about press freedom, judicial independence, and the erosion of democratic values in Georgia. Observers both within the country and internationally are closely monitoring developments.