**Mtavari TV to Shut Down, Journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli Remains in Custody**
In a recent development, Mtavari TV, an opposition-leaning channel in Georgia, has announced that it will cease all operations from May 1. The channel had been off the air since February 15, airing only soap operas and reruns in hopes of resuming full broadcasting one day.
This move comes as a significant blow to the Georgian media landscape, where freedom of speech is already under threat. Mtavari TV was known for its critical reporting on the government, and its shutdown will likely be seen as an attempt to silence opposition voices.
**Journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli’s Trial Continues**
Meanwhile, journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli remains in pre-trial detention after a court decided not to release her. The Clooney Foundation for Justice has announced that it will monitor the trial, citing concerns over the fairness of the proceedings.
Amaghlobeli, who is the director of Batumelebi and Netgazeti media outlets, faces charges for assaulting a police officer, which carries a potential prison sentence of seven to eleven years if she is convicted. In her statement at the court hearing, Amaghlobeli pledged to support Georgia’s European integration and freedom of speech if released.
However, Judge Nino Sakhelashvili decided to remand her in custody, citing an increased risk of reoffending, despite no indication of a flight risk. This decision has sparked widespread criticism from human rights organizations and media outlets, who argue that Amaghlobeli’s detention is unjustified and undermines freedom of speech.
**GYLA Files Complaint with European Court of Human Rights**
The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) has filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights on behalf of Mzia Amaghlobeli. The complaint alleges violations of several articles of the European Convention on Human Rights, including the rights to liberty and security, fair trial, private and family life, freedom of expression, effective remedy, and the limitation of restrictions on rights.
This move highlights the increasing tensions between Georgia’s government and civil society organizations, which are fighting for greater freedoms and accountability. As the country continues to navigate its relationship with Russia and the EU, it is clear that the rule of law and human rights will be critical factors in determining Georgia’s future trajectory.
**Other Developments**
In related news, the Georgian Dream parliament’s temporary investigative commission has been joined by a new member, Irakli Kadagishvili, replacing Paata Salia. This development comes as the commission continues to probe alleged crimes committed by former United National Movement government officials.
Meanwhile, Poland has sanctioned several Georgian officials responsible for violence against protesters, further straining relations between the two countries.
**OSCE Secretary General Visits Georgia**
OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu visited Georgia recently, meeting with government officials and civil society leaders. His visit comes as a welcome boost to the country’s democratic institutions, which are facing increasing challenges from within and outside.
In related news, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Georgia and Russia “are systematically working on normalization”, raising questions about the future of EU-Georgia relations.
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