Arrested media manager Amaglobeli alleges political persecution during trial

Mzia Amaglobeli, a Georgian journalist and founder of independent media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, has accused the authorities of politically motivated persecution.

Speaking at her ongoing trial on Monday, Amaglobeli said she could spend years in prison "because the regime wants it that way" and described law enforcement’s handling of her case as a "complete failure of justice."

"Someone named [Irakli] Dgebuadze [Batumi police chief] swore he would send me to prison - and he did," she said. "About ten investigators were assigned to my case, but no one investigated anything."

Amaglobeli was arrested in January 2025 during anti-government protests in Batumi against halted EU integration, initially for placing a protest sticker on a police station. She later faced criminal charges after allegedly slapping Batumi police chief Dgebuadze, whom she accused of verbally abusing her. Amaglobeli denies the charges, calling them politically motivated. Her case has drawn widespread criticism from media watchdogs, international organisations, and diplomatic missions, who view her prosecution as part of a broader crackdown on critical journalism in Georgia.