**Criminal Case Against Mzia Amaghlobeli: Prosecutor’s Closing Statement Causes Outrage in the Courtroom**
The stage of evidence examination has come to a close in the criminal case against Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti media outlets. At the Batumi City Court, prosecutor Tornike Gogeshvili delivered his closing statement, offering the defense an opportunity to discuss a plea agreement.
According to prosecutors, Mzia Amaghlobeli committed an assault on a police officer on January 11. During the hearing, Prosecutor Gogeshvili recounted the details of Amaghlobeli’s initial detention under administrative charges. He emphasized that video footage showed violations of the law by various protest participants who were detained at different times.
“The situation during the rally was chaotic,” said Gogeshvilli. “Any verbal insult towards an officer could have led to arrest, and arrests of different individuals occurred.” The prosecutor also read the testimony of Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze, who recounted the events of January 11 outside the Adjara Police Headquarters.
In his closing remarks, Prosecutor Gogeshvilli addressed the charge of assaulting a police officer. He stated that the nature of the act – striking someone in the face – qualifies as a violent action. “A blow to the face is a violent act,” he said. “This is clearly a case of assaulting a police officer in the line of duty.”
The prosecutor’s words caused an uproar in the courtroom from Amaghlobeli’s supporters, who protested by leaving the courtroom shouting: “There’s dictatorship in the courtroom! There’s tyranny in the courtroom!”
**A Complex Case: Understanding the Evidence**
This complex case involves allegations of assault on a police officer and raises questions about the limits of freedom of speech during protests. The prosecution has presented evidence that suggests Amaghlobeli was involved in an altercation with a police officer, which resulted in physical contact.
However, the defense may argue that the actions of the police officers involved were excessive or that Amaghlobeli’s behavior was justified given the circumstances of the protest. The case also raises concerns about the treatment of journalists and activists during protests.
**Next Steps**
The defense has called and questioned an expert witness, and their closing arguments are scheduled for next session on August 1st at 13:00. It remains to be seen how the court will weigh the evidence presented by both sides.
One thing is certain: this case has sparked a heated debate about freedom of speech, police conduct, and the role of journalism in Georgian society. As the legal process unfolds, it’s essential to keep a close eye on developments and consider multiple perspectives.
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