Founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti media outlets declares innocence amid trial

Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder of independent media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, on Tuesday denied the accusations against her, declaring herself an “illegal prisoner.”

In a letter distributed by Batumelebi, Amaglobeli asserted her belief in her eventual exoneration.

“No, and I do not agree with the accusation. I consider myself an illegal prisoner,” Amaglobeli wrote. “Fortunately, the dictatorship has finally failed to gain a foothold in our homeland, so I believe that I and the prisoners of conscience will be able to prove our innocence.”

Her trial is currently ongoing at the Batumi City Court. The charges against Amaglobeli, assaulting a police official during protests against halted EU integration in January, remain a subject of public scrutiny, with human rights activists and media organizations closely following the case.

Supporters argue that the trial represents an attack on independent journalism in Georgia, while government officials maintain that the legal proceedings adhere to judicial standards.