Eight protesters remain in custody in Batumi, media outlet founder detained on criminal charges

Out of the 12 individuals detained during protests in Batumi yesterday, three have been released on a written statement, while eight remain in administrative custody, according to Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The eight protesters are accused of petty hooliganism and disobedience to police orders. Meanwhile, Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder and director of the media outlet Batumelebi, has been detained on criminal charges under Article 353 of the Georgian Criminal Code, which pertains to assaulting a police officer.

Amaghlobeli was initially detained during the protest near the main police headquarters in Batumi and was released along with three others on a written statement. However, she was later re-arrested on criminal charges.