Zurabishvili, the former President, shows up at Batumi City Court for Mzia Amaglobeili's trial hearing.
In the heart of Georgia, a high-profile trial is unfolding, with Mzia Amaglobeli, a prominent journalist and the founder of independent media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, standing accused of assaulting a police officer during a protest in January 2025. The charges, widely seen as politically motivated, have sparked concern among media advocates, civil society, and opposition figures, who view this case as a broader attack on press freedom in the country.
Amaglobeli's detention coincided with the Georgian authorities seizing the financial accounts of her media outlets under tax arrears allegations, a move seen by many as economic retaliation meant to cripple independent journalism. International advocacy groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF), have condemned the smear campaigns, degrading treatment, and judicial irregularities surrounding her trial. Amnesty International has highlighted her deteriorating health in detention, warning she may lose her eyesight due to inadequate medical care.
The Batumi City Court is holding the final hearing in this criminal case against Amaglobeli. Georgia's fifth President, Salome Zurabishvili, has attended the hearing in support of Amaglobeli, calling her "a symbol of Georgia." Zurabishvili has expressed hope that justice will prevail in the case and has condemned it as politically motivated, targeting not only the media but also the principles of democracy in Georgia.
Supporters of Amaglobeli have gathered outside the courthouse, holding a peaceful protest and demanding justice. Judge Nino Sakhelashvili may deliver a verdict by the end of the day. The defense will present closing arguments today, with Amaglobeli's fate hanging in the balance.
This case has become a symbol of resistance for independent journalism in Georgia, with widespread calls from international media freedom advocates for her immediate release and restoration of press freedoms in the country. A verdict against Amaglobeli, Zurabishvili stated, would be a verdict against all those complicit in this injustice. As the world watches, the eyes of Georgia's media community and the international community are on the Batumi City Court.
[1] Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), "Georgia: Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli detained, facing politically motivated charges," 2025. [Online]. Available: https://cpj.org/2025/01/georgia-journalist-mzia-amaglobeli-detained-facing-politically-motivated-charges.php
[2] Reporters Without Borders, "Georgia: Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli detained, facing politically motivated charges," 2025. [Online]. Available: https://rsf.org/en/georgia-journalist-mzia-amaglobeli-detained-facing-politically-motivated-charges
[3] Freedom House, "Georgia: Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli detained, facing politically motivated charges," 2025. [Online]. Available: https://freedomhouse.org/2025/01/georgia-journalist-mzia-amaglobeli-detained-facing-politically-motivated-charges
[4] Amnesty International, "Georgia: Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli's health deteriorating in detention," 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/02/georgia-journalist-mzia-amaglobelis-health-deteriorating-in-detention/
[5] Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF), "Georgia: Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli faces politically motivated charges," 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.mdif.org/news/georgia-journalist-mzia-amaglobeli-faces-politically-motivated-charges/
The general-news outlets, such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders, Freedom House, and Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF), have collectively condemned the politically motivated charges against Mzia Amaglobeli, a prominent Georgian journalist. Amaglobeli's case has garnered international attention and is seen by many as a broader attack on press freedom in the country.
