Prepared by Messenger Staff
Journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli Remanded in Custody Amid Controversial Charges
Mzia Amaghlobeli, the founder and director of the independent newspaper Batumelebi and online outlet Netgazeti, has been remanded in custody by Batumi City Court Judge Nino Sakhelashvili. Amaghlobeli was arrested on January 12 and faces criminal charges for allegedly assaulting a police officer.
Despite her defense team's request for a bail amount of 100,000 GEL (approximately USD 35,340), the judge denied the plea and ordered her pre-trial detention, a decision that has drawn criticism from her supporters.
The charges, brought under Article 353 Prima of Georgia's Criminal Code, accuse Amaghlobeli of assaulting Irakli Dgebuadze, the head of the Batumi City Division of the Adjara Police Department. If convicted, she could face a prison sentence of four to seven years. The prosecution claims the alleged assault was an act of revenge and expressed concerns about the possibility of Amaghlobeli committing a repeat offense, which they cited as grounds to deny bail.
During the hearing, Amaghlobeli made a bold statement, holding up Maria Ressa's book How to Stand Up to a Dictator: The Fight for Our Future. Her gesture was seen as a critique of the Georgian Dream authorities, likening their tactics to the repressive methods discussed in the book.
The court has scheduled a hearing in her case for March 4.
Journalist Guram Murvanidze Sentenced to 8-Day Detention in Batumi
Guram Murvanidze, a journalist with Batumelebi, has been sentenced to eight days of administrative detention by Judge Irma Togonidze. The decision follows accusations that Murvanidze disobeyed a police officer under the Administrative Code, a claim disputed by his employer.
According to Batumelebi, video footage from the incident shows Murvanidze filming during the arrest process. The footage captures Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze approaching the journalist. Murvanidze reportedly explained to Dgebuadze that he was performing his professional duties as a media operator for Batumelebi. Despite this, police arrested him on Dgebuadze's instructions.
The publication asserts that the footage demonstrates Murvanidze did not resist the police at any point during the arrest. His lawyer has also raised concerns about the circumstances of the detention.
