Verdict due today in case of Batumelebi and Netgazeti founder Mzia Amaghlobeli

A verdict is expected today in the high-profile case of journalist and media founder Mzia Amaghlobeli, whose trial has drawn widespread public attention and concern over press freedoms in Georgia.

The final hearing is scheduled to begin at 14:00 local time and will be presided over by Judge Nino Sakhelashvili.

Amaghlobeli, a co-founder of independent media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, delivered her final statement during the previous court session, declaring that she did not consider herself guilty regardless of the court’s decision.

The charges against her stem from the night of 11-12 January, during anti-government protests in Batumi. She was initially detained under administrative law and quickly released - only to be re-arrested minutes later on criminal charges.

She has been charged under Article 353^1 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which relates to assaulting a police officer - an offence that carries a potential prison sentence of four to seven years.

The case has sparked concern among media and civil society groups, with many viewing the charges as politically motivated.