NGO takes case of arrested media manager Amaglobeli to ECHR

The Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) has filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg on behalf of Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder and director of the online publications Batumelebi and Netgazeti.

The complaint alleges that several fundamental rights under the European Convention on Human Rights were violated, including the right to liberty and security (Article 5), the right to a fair trial (Article 6), the right to respect for private and family life (Article 8), and freedom of expression (Article 10). It also cites violations of the right to an effective remedy (Article 13 in conjunction with Articles 8 and 10) and the misuse of restrictions on rights (Article 18).

Speaking at a press briefing, GYLA Chairwoman Nona Kurdovanidze said the complaint demonstrated that the Georgian authorities had infringed on Amaglobeli’s fundamental freedoms.

Amaglobeli was initially detained administratively on 11 January and released shortly after, only to be re-arrested on 12 January on criminal charges of allegedly assaulting a police officer. Lawyers representing the journalist argued that the use of force charges were inconsistent with the circumstances of the case and point to a political motive behind the arrest.

While in custody, Amaglobeli staged a 38-day hunger strike. She was transferred to a clinic on the 24th day of her protest and returned to prison only after ending her hunger strike.

The case has raised serious concerns among local and international human rights groups about political repression and the treatment of journalists in Georgia.