Address to the International Community Regarding the Detention of Media Manager Mzia Amaghlobeli and the Media Environment in Georgia.
Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder and manager of online publications “Batumelebi” and “Netgazeti,” is the first female journalist prisoner of conscience in Georgia.
Mzia Amaghlobeli is being punished by the regime of oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, who earned his billions in Russia, for her impartial journalism and exemplary civil activism. She did not commit the criminal offense she was charged with by Ivanishvili’s regime.
Since January 12, when the oligarch detained our colleague Mzia Amaghlobeli, every one of us faces the threat of arrest for our professional activities.
Under the rule of the Georgian Dream government, the media environment in Georgia has sharply deteriorated in recent years. In addition to the threat to independent media organizations created by the “Russian style law on the transparency of foreign influence,” adopted in the summer of 2024, verbal abuse and physical violence against journalists by representatives of the authorities have become alarmingly frequent. Additionally, Russian-style repressions against journalists have started.
During the coverage of pro-European protests in November and December 2024, more than 90 instances of violence against journalists by the regime’s special forces and police were recorded. None of these incidents have been investigated or prosecuted by the Georgian Dream investigative bodies, leaving the perpetrators unpunished.
In 2024-2025, the oligarch’s regime arrested numerous journalists on administrative charges only to release them after imposing fines or brief administrative detentions.
The fact that Mzia Amaghlobeli has been arrested on criminal charges demonstrates that the oligarch’s regime has entered a new phase in its persecution of critical journalists. This involves imprisoning journalists based on fabricated charges, as has occurred in recent years in Russia, Belarus, and neighboring Azerbaijan.
We demand the immediate release of the prisoner of conscience, Mzia Amaghlobeli! We call on international organizations protecting journalists’ rights and representatives of friendly countries’ diplomatic corps to raise their voices against the mass persecution of journalists by Bidzina Ivanishvili’s regime and to protect media representatives in Georgia.
Signatories:
Kamila Mamedova, Radio Marneuli
Laura Gogoladze, My Kharagauli
Maia Metskvarishvili, Studio Monitor
David Mchedlidze, Rustavi Media Group
Khatia Lomidze, MediaChecker
Boris Sajaia, MediaChecker
Lia Chakhunashvili, Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics
Teo Kavtaradze, Studio Monitor
Tamara Mshvenieradze, Public Broadcaster, Real Space
Bela Zakaidze, Public Broadcaster, Moambe
Sopo Aptsiauri, Project 64
Rusa Kvinikadze, Public Broadcaster, Real Space
Elene Zakashvili, Project 64
Nino Lomadze, Indigo
Giorgi Gogua, Project 64
Omar Tsotsoria, Public Broadcaster, Real Space
Nata Dzvelishvili, Indigo
Tamar Babuadze, Indigo
Eter Turadze, Batumelebi
Shevleg Gegchkori, Radio Georgia
Mariam Bogveradze, OC Media
Nino Khozrevanidze, Formula
Natia Shavadze, Journalist
Levan Sutidze, Tabula
Mamuka Kuparadze, Studio Re
Maia Shonia, Studio Re
Manana Ghogoberidze, IFact
Nanuka Bregadze, IFact
Ekaterine Kopaliani, Journalist
Luka Pertaia, Journalist
Nana Biganishvili, Studio Monitor
Sopo Apriamashvili, Journalist
Nino Dadvani
Ketevan Kashakashvili
Nene Dalakishvili, Formula
Zura Dvali, Studio Re
Vantsent Khabeishvili, News.on.ge
Giorgi Mgeladze, Journalist
Eter Midelashvili, Journalist
Mariam Kachkachishvili, Journalist
Natia Mikhelidze, Ai, Fakti
Nina Baidauri, Netgazeti
Zurab Vardiashvili, Publika
Tea Adeishvili, Mtavari Arkhi
Eka Saria, Mtavari Arkhi, Postfactum
Eka Kadagishvili, Journalist
Tinatin Peikrishvili, Journalist
Manana Manjgaladze, BMG
Giga Gelkhviidze, CNews.ge
Irina Makaridze, CNews.ge
Mariam Takidze, Aprili
Salome Gorgodze, Publika
Lika Zakashvili, Publika, Editor-in-Chief
Natia Amiranashvili, Publika, Editor
Gela Mtivlishvili, Mtis Ambebi (Mountain News), Editor
Mamuka Mgaloblishvili, Publika
Mariam Nikuradze, OC Media
Mamuka Andghuladze, Media Advocacy Coalition
Tamar Gegidze, Aprili
Mariam Gabelaia, Aprili
Tatia Shurghaia, Aprili
Nino Kakhishvili, Netgazeti
Natia Tskipurishvili, Netgazeti
Tinatin Dvalishvili, Media Manager
Gulo Kokhodze, Samkhreti’s Karibche
Zaza Karchiladze, Broadcaster
Nana Chkhikvishvili, Guria News
Maka Tsnobiladze, JemNews
Lia Shavgulidze, Public Broadcaster
Elisabed Zubashvili
Sandro Jupalakiani
Tinatin Macharashvili, Media Researcher
Konstantine Stalinski, Netgazeti
Ninia Kakabadze, MediaChecker
Nino Narimanishvili, JemNews
Natia Inauri, InterpressNews
Natasha Khubaevi-Shtikova, JemNews
Sopo Bukia, JemNews
Natia Kuprashvili, GRC
Dachi Grdzelishvili
Tamar Rukhadze, Journalist
Tinatin Zazadze, Samkhreti’s Karibche
Nunu [Nuka] Stepnadze, Samkhreti’s Karibche
Alexandre Keshelashvili, Publika
Giorgi Giorgashvili, Project 64
Eliso Jariashvili, Journalist
Nino Chichua, Netgazeti
Beka Beridze, Project 64
Mikheil Gvadzabia, OC Media
Giorgi Kvizhinadze, Formula
Tamar Robakidze, Journalist
Maia Tsiklauri, JemNews
Lamuna Iremashvili, Tok.tv
Natalia Vakhtangashvili, Journalist
Zviad Koridze, Journalist
Nino Shubitidze, Studio Monitor
Nino Tsverava, Studio Monitor
Nestan Tsetskhladze, Netgazeti
Magda Gugulashvili, Journalist
Gia Gogatishvili, Journalist
Tamta Nachkebia, Publika
Tamar Baghashvili, Formula
Maka Pankvelashvili, Formula
Salome Chaduneli, Radio Liberty
Nina Kheladze, GRC/Tok.tv
Irma Charakashvili, GRC/GARB
Maia Ivelashvili, tv9news.ge
Gogi Gvakharia, Radio Liberty
Tamar Jincharadze, TV Pirveli
Manana Eliashvili, TV Pirveli
Guga Archvadze, TV Pirveli
Inga Grigolia, TV Pirveli
Tatia Tumanishvili, TV Pirveli
Alexandre Nabakhteveli, TV Pirveli
Maka Chikhladze, TV Pirveli
Maka Andronikashvili, TV Pirveli
Nodar Meladze, TV Pirveli
Mariam Gaprindashvili, TV Pirveli
Tamta Dolenjashvili, TV Pirveli
Nino Arazashvili, TV Pirveli
Magda Sabashvili, TV Pirveli
Liza Mosidze, TV Pirveli
Tamar Kalandadze, TV Pirveli
Ana Tsereteli, TV Pirveli
Vika Bukia, TV Pirveli
Taso Tkeshelashvili, TV Pirveli
Nino Ghvedashvili, TV Pirveli
Lika Jankarashvili, TV Pirveli
Ana Mdivani, TV Pirveli
Gvantsa Berukashvili, TV Pirveli
Ina Tsartsidze, TV Pirveli
Zaal Udumashvili, TV Pirveli
Eko Maghradze, TV Pirveli
Giorgi Darjania, TV Pirveli
Gvantsa Chkhikvadze, TV Pirveli
Khatia Samkharadze, TV Pirveli
Irma Stepnadze-Iashvili, TV Pirveli
Saba Tsitsikashvili, Qartli.ge
Tamar Nozadze, TV Formula
Ekaterine Samkharadze, TV Formula
Sesili Bochoidze, TV Formula
Ana Makharadze, TV Formula
Maia Chapodze, TV Formula
Nata Koridze, Civil.ge, Managing Editor
Ia Goliadze, Journalist
Levan Uridia, Public Broadcaster Adjara TV and Radio News Journalist
Nino Tarkhnishvili, Radio Liberty
Rusudan Gvaramadze, tv9news.ge
Eka Kevanishvili, Radio Liberty
Toma Begiashvili, Radio Liberty
Teimuraz Inasaridze, Samkhreti’s Karibche
Shorena Ghlonti, Journalist
Khatia Mumladze, News Agency “Mozaika”
Gvantsa Doluashvili, News Agency “Mozaika”
Ana Jioshvili, News Agency “Mozaika”
Landa Birtvelishvili, News Agency “Mozaika”
Mariam Pataraia, KutaisiPost
Ketevan Gelashvili, KutaisiPost
Eka Kukhalashvili, KutaisiPost
Tekla Morgoshia, KutaisiPost
Giorgi Isakadze, BMG
Telara Gelantia, BMG
Anna Lapiashvili, BMG
Nino Tabatadze, BMG
Shota Tkeshelashvili, BMG
Giga Benia, BMG
Elene Kvanchilashvili, BMG
Natia Taktakishvili, BMG
Tamuna Mukbaniani, BMG
Mariam Varadashvili, BMG
Nutsa Shubashvili, BMG
Salome Khidureli, BMG
Tinatin Natmeladze, BMG
Mariam Titvinidze, BMG
Teona Kharabadze, Public Broadcaster Adjara TV and Radio
Maia Mamulashvili, Kakheti’s Voice
Natalia Tsiskarashvili, Kakheti’s Voice
Mariam Okrotsvaradze, Kakheti’s Voice
Maka Khaziuri, Kakheti’s Voice
Ia Mamaladze, Guria News
Giorgi Sikharulidze, Guria News
Akaki Sikharulidze, Guria News
Nazibrola Rekhviashvili, Fact-Metre/factcheck.ge
Nino Kapanadze, My Kharagauli
Gia Khasia, Atinati
Rusudan Kalichava, Atinati
Maia Pipia, Atinati
Tinatin Bekia, Atinati
Vika Ubilava, Atinati
Sulkhan Meskhidze, Adjara Times
Irina Kurua, Public Broadcaster Adjara TV and Radio
Nino Artmeladze, Batumelebi
Nana Kvachadze, Batumelebi
Manana Kvelishvili, Batumelebi
Lela Dumbadze, Batumelebi
Tedo Jorbenadze, Batumelebi
Shorena Amaglobeli, Batumelebi
Roin Gundadze, Batumelebi
Irma Dimitradze, Batumelebi
Archil Kakhadze, Batumelebi
Mariam Mutidze, Batumelebi
Tsago Kakhaberidze, Batumelebi
Ia Prangishvili, Batumelebi
Jaba Ananidze, Batumelebi
Guram Murvanidze, Batumelebi
Irma Zoidze, Studio REC
Maia Merkviladze, Public Broadcaster Adjara Radio Editor
Teona Turmanidze, Public Broadcaster Adjara TV and Radio Host, Correspondent
Zaira Lomadze, Public Broadcaster Online Service Employee
Tekla Mchedlidze, Public Broadcaster Radio Producer
David Trapaidze, Public Broadcaster Radio Broadcasting Service Head
Maia Varshanidze, Public Broadcaster Adjara Radio Socio-Political Program Editor and Host
Vladimer Menabde, Guria’s Moambe
Giorgi Diasamidze, Radio Liberty
Lasha Zarginava, Public Broadcaster Adjara TV and Radio Analytical Programs Editor/Host
Nino Gelashvili, Radio Liberty
Luba Giorgadze, Channel 9 Journalist
Lela Kunchulia, Radio Liberty
Sopo Zurabiani, TV Formula
Guram Rogava, TV Formula
Khatuna Saginadze, TV Formula
Giorgi Girkelidze, Guria News
Mariam Makasarashvili, TV Pirveli
Diana Trapaidze, TV Pirveli
Natalia Kajaia, TV Pirveli
Tekla Donadze, TV Pirveli
Ana Akhalaia, TV Pirveli
Rusudan Dumbadze, TV Pirveli
Sopo Niauri, TV Pirveli
Nanuka Kajaia, TV Pirveli
Tea Tsetskhladze, TV Pirveli
Kristine Marabian, Jnews
Riba Gharibiani, Jnews
Shushan Shirinian, Jnews
Gevork Janoian, Jnews
Penia Torosian, Jnews
Aghunik Aivazian, Jnews
Ani Minasian, Jnews
Ekaterine Shanidze, TV Formula
Natalia Barbakadze, News Agency “Spectri”, Editor
Nugzar Asatiani, “Alioni” Newspaper Editor
Tinatin Akhvlediani, Mega TV
Tamar Kavtaradze, Mega TV
Mariam Jachvadze, Chai Khana Media
Elene Khachapuridze, Chai Khana Media
Sopio Khuntsaria, TV Formula
Giorgi Morchiladze, TV Kavkasia
Saba Bedineishvili, TV Kavkasia
Ana Glunchadze, TV Kavkasia
Nino Kodalashvili, TV Kavkasia
Nino Jangirashvili, TV Kavkasia
Tskriala Shermadini, Studio Monitor
Gvantsa Pipia, Accent News
Tea Giligashvili, Mtavari Arkhi
Gigla Tumanishvili, Mtavari Arkhi
Natia Trapaidze, Mtavari Arkhi
Zhana Akopashvili, Mtavari Arkhi
Nino Balanchivadze, Mtavari Arkhi
Tea Inasaridze, Mtavari Arkhi
David Kobidze, Mtavari Arkhi
Ninutsa Kekelia, Mtavari Arkhi
Irakli Bakhtadze, Mtavari Arkhi
Dea Mamiseishvili, Mtavari Arkhi
Nanuka Maghlakelidze, Mtavari Arkhi
Nino Gazdeliani, Mtavari Arkhi
Nino Samkurashvili, Mtavari Arkhi
Keti Kebadze, Mtavari Arkhi
David Eradze, Mtavari Arkhi
Nina Machabeli, Mtavari Arkhi
