International media organizations demand 'immediate release' of jailed Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli

Leading international press freedom organizations have once again urged the Georgian government to release Mzia Amaglobeli, the imprisoned founder and director of Netgazeti and Batumelebi, ahead of the verdict in her controversial criminal case.

Amaglobeli has been in pre-trial detention since January 12, 2025, accused of attacking a police officer by allegedly slapping Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze during a protest outside the police station in Batumi. The prosecution charged her under Article 353¹ of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which carries a sentence of four to seven years in prison.

In her final courtroom statement on Monday, Amaglobeli rejected a proposed plea deal, declaring: “Agreeing to a plea deal would feel like being buried alive. Even the offer itself is deeply insulting.”

“I consider myself victorious, no matter what decision you make,” she told the court.

The International Press Institute (IPI) described the charges as disproportionate and politically motivated, renewing its call for her immediate and unconditional release. “Mzia’s arrest and prosecution come amid a wider crackdown on media freedom in Georgia,” IPI said, adding that she has become a “symbol of courage and resilience” for the country’s independent press.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have also called on the Georgian authorities to drop all charges. Representatives from the three organizations traveled to Rustavi Women's Prison on July 13 to show solidarity with Amaglobeli and attended a court hearing in Batumi the following day.

Amaglobeli’s continued detention has sparked widespread criticism both domestically and internationally. Human rights experts argue that slapping—especially without causing harm—does not constitute a criminal offense under Georgian law. Supreme Court precedents also indicate that such acts do not meet the legal threshold for assault.

Moreover, her trial has been marred by allegations of false testimony—all key witnesses are police officers—and by repeated violations of the presumption of innocence. While members of the ruling Georgian Dream party have publicly accused Amaglobeli of acting “on someone’s orders,” the prosecution has never formally made such a claim.

The European Parliament has also weighed in, calling for Amaglobeli’s immediate and unconditional release and the dismissal of all politically motivated charges against her. The resolution also voiced “deep concern” over the critical deterioration of her eyesight while in detention and called for immediate access to proper medical care.

Amaglobeli’s case is now under review by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

The Georgian court is expected to announce its final verdict on August 6 at 14:00.