The IPI global network strongly condemns the two-year prison sentence handed down today by a Georgian court to veteran journalist and IPI member Mzia Amaglobeli. The journalist has been held in pretrial detention since her arrest on January 12 on disproportionate and politicized charges, amid declining health and vision.
Amaglobeli was initially accused of attacking a police officer, stemming from an altercation with a police chief during a crackdown on democratic protests in Batumi on January 12. She was initially charged under Article 353, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, which carries a possible sentence of four to seven years.
However, at today’s court hearing, Judge Nino Sakhelashvili reclassified the charge and found Amaglobeli guilty under Article 353 of the criminal code, which prohibits “resistance, threat, or violence against a law enforcement officer or other representative of authority” – a lesser charge that is punished by a fine, house arrest for up to two years, or imprisonment from two to six years.
The judge sentenced Amaglobeli to two years in prison, with nearly seven months time served. The journalist’s lawyers have appealed the verdict.
“Today’s verdict against Mzia Amaglobeli is a major blow to press freedom in Georgia and makes a mockery of justice,” said IPI Director of Advocacy Amy Brouillette. “It is abundantly clear that this trial and excessive sentence was orchestrated in retaliation for Mzia’s journalistic work – and aimed at undermining freedom of the press and independent media in Georgia.”
She added: “Mzia is a highly respected journalist and IPI member who has become a symbol for resilience in the face of authoritarian pressure. We call on the EU and the international community to take immediate action against those responsible for this egregious attack on press freedom in Georgia.”
Amaglobeli is the co-founder and director of Gazeti Batumelebi and Netgazeti, two of Georgia’s most popular and respected online news outlets. She has been unjustly held in pre-trial detention since her arrest on January 12. While in prison, her health and eyesight have deteriorated to a dangerous degree. She also endured a five-week hunger strike in protest of her imprisonment.
Gazeti Batumelebi and Netgazeti, which often cover human rights and corruption, have also suffered in the wake of Amaglobeli’s arrest. On July 17, authorities ordered the seizure of the two outlets’ bank accounts in a blatant attempt to exert further pressure on Amaglobeli ahead of today’s verdict.
Last month, representatives from IPI, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) visited the prison site near Tbilisi where Amaglobeli is being held and then attended a court hearing in Batumi. In testimony before the court, Amaglobeli recounted in detail the mistreatment she has suffered at the hands of authorities.
The case against Amaglobeli comes amid a growing crackdown on democratic movements and independent journalism in Georgia. Under the ruling Georgian Dream party, journalists in Georgia have been beaten, harassed, detained, jailed, smeared, and fined.
IPI and our global network stand firmly behind our member Mzia Amaglobeli following today’s verdict and will continue to campaign for her liberty and for free and independent journalism in Georgia.