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January 28, 2025 – Belarus –
Mzia Amaglobeli, a prominent Georgian journalist and co-founder/director of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, has been detained since January 11, 2025, facing an assault charge that could carry a prison sentence of four to seven years. Arrested during post-election protests in Batumi, she initially was held over administrative actions—placing a “Georgia is on Strike” sticker—but was quickly re-arrested after she slapped the city’s police chief amid his alleged verbal abuse.
On January 12, Amaglobeli began a hunger strike, stating it was a protest against “repressive, treacherous, and violent processes targeting humanity, freedom of speech and expression”. By late January, doctors warned of life-threatening deterioration, prompting her transfer to a hospital before being returned to prison. Reports indicate she sustained a 38‑day dry hunger strike—refusing food entirely—which ended in mid-February under health protocols.
Amaglobeli’s supporters argue the assault charge is grossly disproportionate: Transparency International Georgia described the slap as lacking the necessary force to constitute an assault crime, while PEN International criticized the potential seven-year sentence as indicative of broader repression aimed at intimidating journalists and activists.
During detention, Amaglobeli reported mistreatment, including being spat on by the police chief and denied basic rights such as water access and legal counsel. The State Investigation Service opened a probe into alleged abuse, but activists criticize its slow pace and lack of transparency.
Her case reflects a wider crackdown on media and dissent following Georgia’s contested October 2024 elections. Embassies from 14 countries, media freedom advocates, and journalists have united in demanding her immediate release and adherence to democratic norms. She is scheduled for a pre-trial review hearing on March 4, with ongoing detention legally permissible up to nine months.
Amaglobeli’s ordeal has made her a symbol of resistance: even while on a hunger strike, she declared, “I will not bow to this regime”, reinforcing her commitment to press freedom and human rights. Her supporters emphasize that her prosecution, based on a minimal altercation, is a troubling signal of deteriorating media independence in Georgia.
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