Prepared by Messenger Staff
Embassies Express Concern Over Journalist's Hunger Strike and Media Freedom in Georgia
The embassies of 14 countries, as members of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC), have issued a joint statement condemning the continued pre-trial detention of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, who is now on the 19th day of a hunger strike.
The statement, signed by the embassies of Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine, calls for Amaglobeli's immediate release and a review of her case. The coalition echoed concerns raised by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, who deemed her detention unjustified.
"This is another worrying example of the intimidation of journalists in Georgia, restricting media freedom and freedom of expression," the statement reads.
The embassies also criticized the Georgian authorities for failing to take action against law enforcement officers involved in systematic violence against protesters. They reiterated concerns raised in the MFC's December 20 statement, urging Georgian authorities to uphold the rights of journalists and ensure accountability for excessive use of force during protests.
Kobakhidze Meets with Pashinyan During a Visit to Armenia
On January 30, Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, accompanied by a delegation, arrived in Armenia for an official visit. During his meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, both leaders reaffirmed the strategic importance of relations between the two countries and emphasized the value of high-level dialogue and cooperation across various sectors.
As part of the visit, the Georgian-Armenian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation convened under the chairmanship of both Prime Ministers. The discussions focused on expanding trade and economic relations, with both sides highlighting the importance of fully utilizing the existing potential. The upcoming 14th session of the commission is expected to further deepen economic ties.
The talks also addressed regional security and the ongoing peace process. According to a press release issued by the Georgian government, Kobakhidze expressed Georgia's readiness to facilitate dialogue and contribute to stability in the region.
