**Journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli’s Trial Continues Amid International Concerns**
On May 16, a Batumi City Court hearing took place in the case of detained journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli. The court session was attended by Austrian Member of European Parliament Lena Schilling and German Ambassador to Georgia Peter Fischer.
Mzia Amaghlobeli is accused of slapping the Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze in the face. She faces four to seven years in prison under Article 353 Prima of the Criminal Code. Before the hearing, Lena Schilling expressed her concern that Mzia’s arrest “is symbolic of the oppression in Georgia.” She emphasized that Amaghlobeli is on trial for being a critical journalist and speaking up against injustice.
**International Support**
Lena Schilling stated that she believes Georgia belongs to Europe but under the current regime, which tramples on human rights and press freedom, it has no place in the European Union. She added that when journalists are imprisoned and silenced, democracy itself is in danger. As a Member of the European Parliament, she vowed to stand with Amaghlobeli and all those fighting for freedom.
During his testimony, medical expert Givi Chkhartishvili stated that Dgebuadze had reported experiencing mild pain near his right ear but no visible signs of mechanical injury were observed during examination. When pressed by the prosecution, he emphasized that the offense is clearly defined by law.
**Administrative Case**
The Interior Ministry has launched an administrative case against Amaghlobeli under Article 150 of Georgia’s Administrative Code for defacing the appearance of a territory within municipal boundaries. This follows her initial detention on January 11 for posting a sticker calling for a nationwide strike near a police station.
**European Court of Human Rights Complaint**
The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) has filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on Amaghlobeli’s behalf, alleging violations of multiple articles of the European Convention on Human Rights, including the rights to liberty, fair trial, privacy, expression, effective remedy, and protection against misuse of restrictions.
As Mzia Amaghlobeli’s trial continues, international concerns for her safety and well-being grow. The case has sparked widespread debate about press freedom, human rights, and the rule of law in Georgia.
