Friends of Georgia Demand Release of Mzia Amaglobeli and Other Political Prisoners
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Friends of Georgia, a group consisting of multiple Western politicians and researchers, is calling for the immediate release of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli and 52 other journalists, along with many political prisoners currently jailed in Georgia, amid what they describe as an ongoing crackdown on democracy, human rights, and Georgia's Euro-Atlantic future, which has been ongoing for 69 days and has recently worsened.
Mzia Amaglobeli, who has been on a hunger strike for over three weeks, is at risk of severe and life-threatening health consequences. Friends of Georgia expressed grave concern over reports from the Georgian Young Lawyers Association and other organizations, indicating that Amaglobeli has not received necessary medical attention and is experiencing degrading treatment in detention. The group emphasized that the Georgian authorities bear full responsibility for any harm to her health.
The coalition strongly criticized the Georgian Dream leadership's attempts to discredit Amaglobeli and others, labeling them as "foreign-funded" in an effort to tarnish their professional credibility. Friends of Georgia view this as a tactic to deflect attention from the growing mobilization of the Georgian population advocating for Georgia's Euro-Atlantic path, enshrined in its constitution and supported by the will of the people. The coalition pointed out that this movement has been betrayed by the Russian-backed, oligarchic Georgian Dream party's illegal power grab.
In their statement, Friends of Georgia expressed unwavering solidarity with the Georgian people, President Salomé Zourabishvili, and independent media and civil society organizations. They are calling for the immediate release of all political prisoners, the repeal of recent laws restricting freedom of assembly, and the organization of new, independently monitored elections in Georgia.
The group further called on the international community to take decisive action, urging the European Union and other countries to either introduce or maintain sanctions on those responsible for the situation in Georgia, Including Bidzina Ivanishvili, Irakli Kobakhidze, Vakhtang Gomelauri, and Sulkhan Tamazashvili.
Friends of Georgia concluded their statement with an urgent call for Georgia's Euro-Atlantic path and democratic values to be restored. The coalition stressed that international support is crucial in addressing the ongoing crisis and ensuring the country's democratic future.
