Georgian Journalist Sentenced Amid Protests on Press Freedom

Tbilisi, Aug 6 (AP) A well-known Georgian journalist has been sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted on charges related to slapping a senior police officer during an anti-government protest. The case has been criticized by rights groups who see it as an attack on press freedom. Mzia Amaghlobeli, the founder of two independent media outlets in Georgia, was convicted in the city of Batumi. Originally charged with assault, which could have resulted in a seven-year sentence, the judge ultimately found her guilty of lesser charges involving resistance and threats against public officials. This case adds to a series of incidents that have led to protests and international concern about the ruling Georgian Dream party's impact on civil society and democratic rights in Georgia. Amaghlobeli, visibly gaunt at 50, received the verdict in a courtroom filled with journalists and supporters. Supporters chanted "Free Mzia!" both inside and outside the courthouse. She was arrested on January 12, one of over 50 people detained on criminal charges related to protests in the country of approximately 3.7 million people. Video footage released by Georgian media showed Amaghlobeli striking Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze. Amaghlobeli stated that Dgebuadze spat at her and tried to attack her after her detention. Her lawyer argued that her reaction was emotional, triggered by the chaos of the protest, being caught in a stampede, falling, and seeing those close to her being arrested. The lawyer also argued that the police investigation was biased and Amaghlobeli did not receive a fair trial. In her closing statement, Amaghlobeli described chaotic scenes during the protest, asserting that she was unfairly targeted and mistreated. She encouraged her colleagues and activists to continue fighting for freedom, declaring, "The fight continues—until victory!" Western countries have condemned the case as part of a broader trend of intimidating journalists in Georgia. Amaghlobeli, who founded Batumelebi, an investigative news outlet focusing on politics and human rights, and its sister publication, Netgazeti, has received international support. Fourteen embassies, including those of France and the UK, voiced concern about her case in a joint statement. Gypsy Guillén Kaiser from the Committee to Protect Journalists noted that the case symbolizes the struggle between truth and governmental control of information. Leading Georgian officials defended the arrest, with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accusing Amaghlobeli of trying to discredit the police and undermine the state, though without providing evidence. "We will protect the interests of our state to the end," he declared. (AP) RD RD

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