Amnesty international Condemns Imprisonment of Georgian Journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli
Reacting to the conviction and two-year imprisonment of prominent Georgian journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s deputy director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, issued a strong statement on Tuesday.
“Mzia Amaghlobeli was subjected to a litany of abuses at the hands of the police: verbally assaulted, spat on, injured and then refused medical help,” krivosheev stated. “This was admitted by police officers during her trial, yet impunity has prevailed.”
Krivosheev further criticized the legal proceedings, stating, “The proceedings were riddled with procedural violations and bias, and the court refused to admit much of the defense’s submissions and investigate credible allegations of ill-treatment by police officials.” He emphasized, “Mzia Amaghlobeli must receive a fair trial, and the abuses she has suffered must also be independently investigated and addressed to ensure justice.”
mzia Amaghlobeli must receive a fair trial, and the abuses she has suffered must also be independently investigated and addressed to ensure justice
Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Deputy director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Background
On August 6, the Batumi City Court sentenced Amaghlobeli to two years in jail under Article 351(1) of the Criminal Code for a slap she delivered to the batumi Police Chief during peaceful protests in the town on January 11, 2025, against government policies.
Amaghlobeli,a prominent journalist and co-founder of the media outlets Be tuned and Netgazette,was arrested twice during the demonstrations. She was initially held for publicly posting a protest sticker. A subsequent arrest occurred after a verbal altercation with police officers escalated, resulting in Amaghlobeli slapping the police chief, who then allegedly responded with sexualized threats and insults. She reported abuse while in police custody, including being spat on, physically assaulted, denied medical attention for injuries, and restricted access to legal counsel and restroom facilities for several hours.
Be tuned, amaghlobeli’s media outlet, is now facing potential closure as the state has frozen its bank accounts. Authorities have reportedly failed to investigate allegations of ill-treatment and abuse against police officers involving amaghlobeli and other protesters.
According to Amnesty International, Amaghlobeli’s health has significantly deteriorated in detention, and she has not received necessary medical treatment.
What are your thoughts on this case? Share this article with your network, leave a comment below, or subscribe to World Today News for more breaking coverage.
