Georgian ruling party MP slams EU statement on detained media manager

Georgian Dream MP Vladimer Bozhadze has criticized the European Union’s statement expressing solidarity with detained media manager Mzia Amaglobeli, who was charged with assaulting a police office earlier this month during protests against halted EU integration, calling parts of it unclear and questioning its stance on law enforcement.

Speaking to journalists, Bozhadze said, “The EU statement regarding Mzia Amaglobeli’s solidarity is a bit unclear – the EU is also going to slap the police, I don’t really know what that means.”

Bozhadze also urged Amaglobeli, the founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti to end her hunger strike and pursue legal avenues to defend herself. “I would like to advise Ms. Mzia to end her hunger strike. You know, there are ongoing trials, she has lawyers and can defend her truth,” he stated.

The MP further criticized the EU’s approach to the situation, arguing that law enforcement officers should remain untouchable, as they do in other democratic states. “We have not made a single statement when French citizens, recently German citizens, etc., were detained against the police. The police represent the state. The police are untouchable in all countries, including America and the EU member states,” he added.

Bozhadze accused the EU of exacerbating political polarization in Georgia through statements and financial support. “Instead of calling on the opposition, the civil sector, and media representatives to reduce polarization and tension, unfortunately, with their own statements, and in many cases, with funding, they contribute to the deepening of polarization in our country, which, of course, is very bad and not welcome.”

The EU Representation in Georgia reaffirmed its call for Amaglobeli’s immediate release, emphasizing that a free media and the right to a fair trial are core European values.

“The European Union expresses its solidarity with Mzia Amaglobeli on the 17th day of his hunger strike and calls for his immediate release. A free media and the right to a fair trial are at the heart of the European Union’s values,” the statement read.

Amaglobeli’s lawyers claim the media manager had been insulted by a police official during the protests.