We condemn the disproportionate and politicized verdict against Mzia Amaghlobeli, which sentenced her to 2 years of imprisonment – we express solidarity with Mzia Amaghlobeli and call for her immediate release – this is stated in a joint statement by 24 diplomatic representations regarding the court verdict against journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli.

As noted in the statement, Mzia Amaghlobeli’s case and the pressure exerted on “Batumelebi” and “Netgazeti” are examples of the increasing intimidation, unpunished violence, and legal persecution of journalists in Georgia.

“We, the diplomatic representations of Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, representing member states of the Media Freedom Coalition and allied diplomatic representations in Georgia, condemn the disproportionate and politicized verdict against Mzia Amaghlobeli, which sentenced her to 2 years of imprisonment.

Mzia Amaghlobeli’s case has been further aggravated by her prolonged pre-trial detention, during which her health, particularly her eyesight, has significantly deteriorated.

Mzia Amaghlobeli’s case and the pressure on ‘Batumelebi’ and ‘Netgazeti’ are examples of the increasing intimidation, unpunished violence, and legal persecution of journalists in Georgia, through a clear violation of Georgia’s international obligations to protect media freedom and freedom of expression.

We reiterate the message of the Media Freedom Coalition’s statement of December 20, 2024, condemning all forms of violence and intimidation against journalists and media representatives.

We express solidarity with Mzia Amaghlobeli and call for her immediate release,” the statement reads.

For reference, Judge Nino Sakhelashvili of the Batumi City Court reclassified the charge against Mzia Amaghlobeli, the founder of “Batumelebi.”

Specifically, she was charged under Article 353 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to resistance, threats, or violence against a public order protector or other representative of the authorities. The penalties for this offense include a fine, house arrest for up to 2 years, or imprisonment for 2 to 6 years.

The judge sentenced Mzia Amaghlobeli to 2 years of imprisonment.

Initially, Mzia Amaghlobeli was charged under Article 353/1, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to an attack on a police officer, a special penitentiary service employee, another representative of the authorities, or a public institution. This offense carried a penalty of imprisonment for 4 to 7 years.