According to a statement released by the Gakharia for Georgia party, targeted and aggressive pressure is being exerted against "Batumelebi." The party describes this not as a financial dispute, but as a direct attack on independent media and a specific act of retaliation against Mzia Amaghlobeli.

"Targeted and aggressive pressure is being exerted against the independent media outlet 'Batumelebi,' founded by political prisoner and journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli. The publication, which has consistently covered the actions of every government objectively and critically, has now become the target of direct persecution.

Georgian Dream is once again trying to silence the voice of free and independent media. To do this, it is using all state institutions, including the Revenue Service, which has been turned into a tool of political retribution.

While this same Revenue Service has no issue with tens of millions of lari in tax debt from media outlets affiliated with the ruling party, it has denied 'Batumelebi' the legally permitted payment plan that allows for gradual repayment of debt.

This is not a financial dispute – it is a direct assault on independent media and a specific act of retaliation against Mzia Amaghlobeli. It is an attempt to shut down the lights on unbiased media in the country," the statement reads.

For context, the Revenue Service has frozen the accounts of Batumelebi. According to the publication, the official reason is financial debt, but they believe the real motive is pressure on Mzia Amaghlobeli to make her give up.