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September 09, 2025 – Georgia –
Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli—renowned founder and director of the independent outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti—has been selected as one of six laureates of the 2025 Free Media Award, a prestigious honor bestowed by the Norwegian Fritt Ord Foundation and the ZEIT Stiftung Bucerius. The award recognizes her unwavering 25-year commitment to journalistic integrity and ethics, during which she has built two of Georgia’s most trusted news platforms.
Amaglobeli has emerged as a symbol of independent journalism in Georgia, but her recognition comes amid a troubling backdrop. She is currently serving a two-year prison sentence following her arrest during protests in January 2025. The arrest stemmed from an incident in which she slapped Batumi’s police chief—a reaction she and rights groups argue was provoked by his verbal abuse. Domestic and international human rights organizations have condemned the case as politically motivated, describing Amaglobeli as Georgia’s first female journalist to be jailed on such charges since the Soviet Union’s collapse.
Her imprisonment followed a 38-day hunger strike, which brought her to the brink of a critical health crisis. Amaglobeli’s arrest and deteriorating condition have spurred widespread condemnation and solidarity protests. The prominent role she plays in Georgian media and civil society only amplified pressure on authorities.
The Free Media Award not only celebrates her courageous journalism but also elevates her plight on the international stage. The selection highlights the resilience of independent media figures under threat and affirms the broader critical role of press freedom in Georgia’s democratic fabric.
Amaglobeli’s recognition is deeply symbolic: even as she remains behind bars, her voice and ideals continue to resonate—resonating strongly in Georgia and beyond. The award serves as a powerful reminder that journalistic truth and integrity cannot be silenced by force alone.
Reference –
Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli among laureates of the 2025 Free Media Award
Georgian journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli honoured with Free Media Award
