Mzia Amaghlobeli Remanded in Custody Amid Controversial Allegations
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, March 6, 2025
On March 4, Batumi City Court remanded journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, in custody. The decision was met with tension in the courtroom, where Amaghlobeli held up a piece of paper reading "Unjust Court."
Amaghlobeli had been on a hunger strike for 38 days, which she ended on February 18. Despite her health condition, she was present at today's hearing. The prosecution introduced new claims, alleging that Amaghlobeli had communicated with others in advance to plan an "attack on the police." They cited a detective's report dated February 15, which claimed that Amaghlobeli had been in contact with unidentified individuals regarding the attack. Based on this, the prosecutor requested access to her phone to extract data. However, Amaghlobeli's defense team opposed the request, arguing that it was an attempt to gain access to personal information without adequate evidence.
The prosecution also argued that Amaghlobeli posed a risk of absconding and destroying evidence, justifying her continued detention. The defense strongly contested this, asserting that there was no legal basis for her imprisonment and that the remand was excessive. "A slap with the left hand is not an assault on a police officer," the defense argued.
At the hearing, Amaghlobeli declared, "I don't think I'm guilty, I see myself as illegally imprisoned," expressing confidence that she and other prisoners of conscience would eventually prove their innocence.
Amaghlobeli's case has drawn significant attention, with supporters, including journalists, human rights defenders, politicians, and diplomats, gathering outside the courthouse. Among those present were French Ambassador to Georgia, Shéraz Gasri, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in Georgia, Esther Wagner, and Head of Political Affairs at the Swedish Embassy, Erik Malmberg.
Ahead of the hearing, the German Foreign Ministry had called for Amaghlobeli's immediate release, adding to the growing international pressure surrounding the case.
