Georgian Authorities Detain Batumelebi Director Mzia Amaghlobeli Amid Anti-Government Protests

January 12, 2025 – Georgia – 

Seasoned Georgian journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, co-founder and director of independent media outlets Batumelebi (Batumi) and Netgazeti (national), was arrested during protests in Batumi calling for fresh elections. The arrest unfolded in two stages: she was initially detained on January 11 for placing a protest sticker near the police headquarters, released, then re-arrested minutes later—this time accused of slapping Batumi’s police chief, Irakli Dgebuadze, during a confrontation.

Authorities charged her under Article 353 of Georgia’s Criminal Code—assaulting a police officer—punishable by up to seven years in prison. The Batumi City Court promptly ordered her into pretrial detention on January 14 and rejected a GEL 100,000 (approx. USD 36,000) bail proposal. Her legal team and journalists’ groups argue the charges are politically motivated, accusing authorities of fabricating reports and evading documented verbal abuse from police.

During her arrest, reports emerged of mistreatment: she allegedly endured verbal abuse, spitting, and denial of basic needs like water and toilet access, prompting human rights actors to voice deep concern for her safety. In response, Amaghlobeli began a hunger strike that lasted 38 days, ending mid-February only after widespread alarm over her deteriorating health.

Her detention sparked nationwide backlash. Over 300 media outlets and journalists halted operations temporarily on January 14 in solidarity and to demand her release. International bodies—including the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the OSCE Special Representative, and embassies from 14 countries within the Media Freedom Coalition—issued statements condemning the arrest and urging immediate release. Georgian rights organizations like the Media Ombudsman and Civil Rights Defenders called for an investigation into potential abuses during her arrest and criticized the charges as politically biased.

Analysts warn Mzia Amaghlobeli’s case symbolizes a troubling shift in Georgia: anti-government dissent is being criminalized similarly to actions in authoritarian states. Observers fear the crackdown undermines Georgia’s democratic aspirations and press freedoms. As Georgia pursues EU integration, stakeholders emphasize the urgency of ensuring accountability and safeguarding independent journalism.

The situation remains unresolved. Amaghlobeli is currently in pretrial detention awaiting trial. Press freedom advocates continue to monitor her case, warning that continued repression could signal deeper democratic backsliding in Georgia.

Reference – 

https://1tv.ge/lang/en/news/media-protest-over-detention-of-batumelebi-director/

https://mediacoalition.ge/en/dauyovnebliv-gatavisufldes-batumelebis-direqtori-mzia-amaghlobeli/

Media representatives express solidarity with arrested Batumelebi director and demand her release | News agency «Interpressnews»