Representatives of independent media outlets, professional organizations, and media rights defenders respond to the arrest of the director of Gazeti Batumelebi, an independent media outlet.
On the night of January 12, police illegally detained Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder and director of the online publications “Batumelebi” and “Netgazeti” in Batumi.
Representatives of independent media outlets, professional organizations, and media rights defenders consider Mzia Amaglobeli’s detention and criminal prosecution a pre-planned provocation.
Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze, who acted with aggression during these events, had previously threatened “Batumelebi” co-founder and editor, Eter Turadze, on December 16.
Mzia Amaglobeli was initially unlawfully detained on January 11 while placing a sticker at the entrance of the Adjara Police Department in connection with the general strike planned for January 15. Her detention violated procedural requirements, as no explanation of the grounds or legal norms for her detention was provided. She was released shortly thereafter with a written pledge.
Following her release, Mzia Amaglobeli returned to the ongoing protest. Two of her associates were subsequently detained under similarly unlawful circumstances. According to eyewitnesses, during heightened tensions, Mzia Amaglobeli and “Batumelebi” editor Eter Turadze were caught in a crush. Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze verbally abused Mzia Amaglobeli before she was detained again.
Mzia Amaglobeli is being charged under Article 353-1, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, which carries a prison sentence of 4 to 7 years.
Video footage distributed by propaganda media aligned with “Georgian Dream*” showing her detention is incomplete, heavily edited, and fails to depict key developments that occurred on site.
Police used physical force to escort Mzia Amaglobeli into the department building. After her detention, she was subjected to improper treatment, which is perceived as retaliation against critical media and an attempt to set an example. Despite repeated requests and public outcry, lawyers were denied access to the detainee for over three hours, violating her constitutional right to legal defense.
The undersigned representatives of Georgia’s independent media outlets, professional organizations, and media rights groups demand:
1. The Ministry of Internal Affairs: Immediate release of Mzia Amaglobeli.
2. The Special Investigation Service: An urgent investigation into the improper treatment and illegal detention of Mzia Amaglobeli.
3. The Ministry of Internal Affairs: Immediate suspension of Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze from his duties and measures to prevent further illegal and aggressive actions.
4. International organizations and the diplomatic corps: immediate attention to Mzia Amaglobeli’s case, continuous monitoring, and appropriate assessments.
Signatures:
