The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), its Georgian affiliate (IAGJ), and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) strongly condemn the two-year prison sentence handed down by the Georgian court on 6 August to Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli.
We demand her immediate release and an independent investigation into the allegations of mistreatment against her. The journalist’s health and vision have alarmingly declined over the past months.
Amaglobeli was unjustly held in pre-trial detention in January on disproportionate charges of “attacking” a police officer following an altercation with a police chief in Batumi during a government crackdown on democratic protests.
The journalist who had previously testified about the dehumanizing treatment she endured during her arrest on 11 and 12 January, was found guilty today of “resistance, threat, or violence against a law enforcement officer or other representative of authority,” after the court had reclassified the charges. Amaglobeli’s lawyer has appealed the verdict.
“This condemnation, based on an alleged assault that all reliable witnesses deny, is in reality an act of intimidation against all Georgian journalists. We strongly contest this verdict and demand the immediate release of Mzia Amaglobeli,” stated Maja Sever, the President of the European Federation of Journalists.
“Amaglobeli’s case is part of the state campaign aimed at restricting freedom of speech in Georgia,” said Zviad Pochkhua, IAGJ President.
Since her detention, the journalist has been smeared by the Georgian Dream authorities, who wrongly accused her of acting on behalf of foreign powers. Her independent media organizations Gazeti Batumelebi and Netgazeti, known for uncovering corruption and abuse of power, were also targeted, with their bank accounts seizedas another step of pressure.
IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: “The sentencing of Mzia Amaglobeli is a direct attack on the profession of journalism. Such a clear act of intimidation has no place in a democratic society. Mzia’s case serves as a crucial reminder that freedom of expression cannot exist if it is restricted by conditions of fear and intimidation. We urge the Georgian authorities to release Mzia Amaglobeli immediately”.
We express our full solidarity with Mzia Amaglobeli, her colleagues, and all independent journalists facing government repression for reporting truth.
Source: EFJ
