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October 14, 2025 – Georgia –
The International Press Institute (IPI), in collaboration with International Media Support (IMS), has named Mzia Amaglobeli a 2025 World Press Freedom Hero. The award recognizes her steadfast dedication to independent journalism in the face of political pressure and her ongoing imprisonment in Georgia.
Amaglobeli is the co-founder and leader of two respected independent news outlets, Batumelebi and Netgazeti, both of which have played critical roles in Georgia’s media landscape. Her prosecution and detention have become emblematic of the shrinking civic space and efforts to silence dissenting journalism in Georgia.
Her arrest occurred in January 2025 during protests in Batumi; she was accused of slapping a local police chief after the official allegedly verbally abused her. Her supporters and international observers have widely described the charges as politically motivated attempts at intimidation rather than legitimate law enforcement.
During pretrial detention, Amaglobeli embarked on a 38-day hunger strike to protest what she and her advocates called unjust detention and mistreatment. According to media reports, her health suffered as a result, and she was transferred to a hospital at one point for care.
By awarding her the World Press Freedom Hero title, IPI and IMS have not only lauded her personal courage but also highlighted her symbolic status as a voice that resists authoritarian pressures on the press. The selection committee’s statement indicates that Amaglobeli represents a larger struggle for independent media in Georgia — and that recognizing her case strengthens calls for accountability and the defense of press freedom.
Amaglobeli joins six other journalism figures from around the world honored in 2025, each chosen for demonstrating resilience under threat and dedication to public-interest reporting. If you like, I can share a profile of the other awardees or examine how this award might influence Amaglobeli’s legal case.
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