ECHR reviews case of Georgian media manager Amaglobeli, GYLA

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has begun reviewing the case of Georgian media manager Mzia Amaglobeli, the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) announced on Thursday, which is representing Amaglobeli in the Strasbourg-based court.

GYLA said the case may be classified as an “impact case” by the ECHR, a designation reserved for proceedings that could have broad legal and societal consequences. The Court began substantive consideration of the complaint just two months after it was filed on 28 April 2025 - an unusually swift timeline.

Amaglobeli, founder of the independent media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, was arrested during anti-government protests in Batumi earlier this year. She faces charges of assaulting a police officer - accusations that GYLA and international observers say are politically motivated and part of a wider crackdown on critical journalism in Georgia.

The complaint submitted to the ECHR alleges multiple violations of the European Convention on Human Rights, including:

Article 5 – right to liberty and security

Article 6 – right to a fair trial

Article 8 – right to respect for private and family life

Article 10 – freedom of expression

Article 13, in conjunction with Articles 8 and 10 – right to an effective remedy

Article 18 – misuse of restrictions for political purposes

GYLA argued that Amaglobeli was arrested without sufficient legal grounds and that her pre-trial detention was arbitrary. It further claimed that national courts had failed to adequately assess the legality of her detention and that the seizure of her mobile phone had violated her privacy and freedom of expression.

The Court has sent detailed questions to the Georgian government, requiring it to respond to the allegations in the initial phase of proceedings.

Amaglobeli, a well-known figure in Georgian media, co-founded Batumelebi in 2001 and Netgazeti in 2010. Both outlets have received recognition for their commitment to independent journalism. Her arrest prompted a 38-day hunger strike, which led to a serious deterioration in her health, according to GYLA.

The case has drawn international attention, with calls for her release from human rights organisations and the European Parliament.