Final hearing set in case of media manager Mzia Amaghlobeli in Batumi

The Batumi City Court is set to hold the final hearing today in the case of Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of independent media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti.

The session is scheduled for 13:00 local time, and will coincide with a planned rally in support of Amaghlobeli outside the courthouse.

During the hearing, the defence is expected to deliver its closing arguments.

Amaghlobeli was initially detained on administrative grounds during a pro-European protest in Batumi on the night of 11–12 January, and was briefly released before being re-arrested under criminal charges just minutes later for insulting a police official. 

She is accused under Article 353^1 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which refers to assault on a police officer - an offence punishable by four to seven years in prison.

The case has drawn criticism from media freedom advocates and civil society groups, who argue that the charges are politically motivated and aimed at intimidating independent journalism.