Photo: Publika
Today, the Kutaisi Court of Appeals upheld the pre-trial detention of Mzia Amaglobeli, highlighting the political persecution carried out by Ivanishvili’s regime in Georgia and the alarming state of the judicial system.
The case of Mzia Amaglobeli illustrates the “Georgian Dream” party’s exploitation of law enforcement and judicial systems against independent media. The arrest of the founder of “Batumelebi” and “Netgazeti” signifies a direct assault on media freedom and democratic principles. Her unlawful detention and pre-trial detention has drawn widespread condemnation both nationally and internationally, with numerous organizations recognizing her as a prisoner of conscience and calling for her immediate release.
Despite facing unjust imprisonment, Mzia Amaglobeli remains steadfast and continues to inspire her supporters. It has recently come to light that she has begun a hunger strike in protest.
The circumstances surrounding Mzia Amaglobeli’s case reveal several concerning violations:
- Unlawful administrative detention for placing a protest sticker
- Systemic violence perpetrated by high-ranking police officer Irakli Dgebuadze, including verbal and physical threats and intimidation.
- A fabricated charge of assaulting a police officer, aimed at discrediting a media representative.
- The Batumi City Court’s unwarranted use of detention as a preventive measure, raising questions about the qualifications of Judge Nino Sakhelashvili, with no verifiable information concerning her credentials publicly available.
- The Appeals Court’s dismissal of the appeal without legal grounds for the pre-trial detention.
The Media Advocacy Coalition calls on “Georgian Dream” to:
- The Prosecutor’s Office must immediately halt the unfounded criminal prosecution against Mzia Amaglobeli.
- The Court must uphold its independence and issue a lawful decision for Mzia Amaglobeli’s immediate release.
- The Special Investigation Service must conduct inquiries into the mistreatment of Mzia Amaglobeli.
It is crucial for the international community to maintain strict oversight of ongoing activities in Georgia, particularly concerning repression against media. They should utilize all available mechanisms to ensure the release of Mzia Amaglobeli and other prisoners of conscience.
Mzia Amaglobeli’s case transcends the persecution of an individual journalist; it represents an attack on independent media, civil society, and the democratic future of Georgia. Through Mzia Amaglobeli’s detention, the Georgian Dream seeks to intimidate anyone who dares to challenge injustice.
We will persist in our unwavering commitment to achieving the release of Mzia Amaglobeli, all prisoners of conscience detained by the regime, and the protection of democratic values in Georgia.
