**EU Official Speaks Out Against Georgia’s Crackdown on Journalist**
Lena Schilling, a member of the European Parliament from Austria, has expressed her concern over the situation in Georgia, where journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli is facing charges for allegedly assaulting a police officer. Schilling spoke to the media before Amaghlobeli’s court hearing, saying that the EU was closely monitoring developments in the country.
**A Pattern of Repression**
Schilling noted that similar cases were happening around the world, where journalists and women who speak out against injustices are being targeted. She pointed out that Russia’s influence was likely behind the repression, singling out how women journalists are particularly vulnerable to intimidation and harassment. “This is not an isolated case, it’s happening everywhere,” she said.
**Democracy in Danger**
Schilling emphasized that Georgia’s democracy was under threat, and that cases like Amaghlobeli’s were a warning sign for Europe. She called on Georgia to return to its European path, which would involve protecting democracy and upholding the rights of journalists to speak freely. “What she has been charged with is truly something that, in most countries, would not be considered a criminal offense,” Schilling said.
**Context: A Journalist’s Ordeal**
For context, Mzia Amaghlobeli was initially detained during a protest in front of the main police department in Batumi, but was released two hours later. However, just minutes after her release, she was detained again at the same location. She is now facing charges under Article 353^1 of the Criminal Code, which involves assaulting a police officer.
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