Court Rejects Petition for Release of Amaghlobeli, GYLA Denounces Decision
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, February 17, 2025
The Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA) has condemned the Batumi City Court's recent decision to reject a petition seeking the release of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, director of the Batumelebi/Netgazeti publication, from pre-trial detention. Judge Levan Kolbaia declared the petition inadmissible, prompting GYLA to call the decision "illegal and unfounded."
"There is no justification for her imprisonment," the GYLA stated, underscoring the lack of evidence supporting Amaghlobeli's continued detention. The organization claimed that the court's actions reflect a broader pattern of "illegality" within the Georgian judicial system.
Amaghlobeli is facing charges under Article 353 Prima of the Georgian Criminal Code, which pertains to assaulting a police officer. The charges stem from an incident in which Amaghlobeli was arrested. However, GYLA asserts that the police falsified the arrest report, initially claiming Amaghlobeli was arrested for verbally abusing an officer. Video footage of the arrest, however, clearly contradicts this claim, showing Amaghlobeli remaining silent and compliant throughout the encounter.
Despite the new evidence, the Kutaisi Court of Appeals upheld her detention in a ruling on January 21. In light of the latest decision from Batumi City Court, GYLA has announced it will once again appeal to the Court of Appeals. They argue that Amaghlobeli's detention serves no legitimate purpose and is an act of political retribution for her journalistic activities and civic engagement.
"The court was obliged to consider the new evidence and grant the defense's motion," GYLA's statement said. According to them, Amaghlobeli's detention is part of an ongoing political persecution and a punishment for her role as an independent journalist.
"Therefore, the court's latest illegal decision regarding Mzia Amaghlobeli further proves that her imprisonment is intended as an exemplary punishment and retribution for her journalistic work and active civic stance.
With the complaint filed today, the Georgian justice system is once again presented with an opportunity to end the political persecution of Mzia Amaghlobeli and to bring an end to her unlawful imprisonment," the statement reads.
