**Georgian Journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli’s Eye Health Deteriorates in Custody**
Mzia Amaghlobeli, the founder of Georgian media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, has been experiencing rapid deterioration in her eye health while in pre-trial detention. Lawyers for Amaghlobeli raised concerns about her condition during a hearing at the Batumi City Court on June 23.
According to Maia Mtsariashvili, Amaghlobeli’s lawyer, the journalist’s vision in her right eye has dropped to 10% and can only be improved to 40% with corrective glasses. This is a significant decline from her pre-detention condition, where she had better-than-average vision.
Amaghlobeli was detained on January 24, after being accused of putting up stickers critical of the government. Her lawyers have challenged the legality of both Amaghlobeli’s detention and the use of custody as a pre-trial measure.
**Human Rights Group Files Appeal with European Court**
The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) has announced that it has filed an appeal with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on behalf of Amaghlobeli. The appeal, which covers the period from the opening of the investigation to Amaghlobeli’s pre-trial hearing, alleges that the state violated several of her rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.
The ECHR has indicated that the case may be classified as an “impact case,” one that could significantly influence or change human rights law. GYLA argued that the state violated Amaghlobeli’s right to liberty and security, a fair trial, respect for private and family life, freedom of expression, and limitations on use of restrictions on rights.
**International Community Demands Release**
Amaghlobeli has been fined twice on administrative charges during her detention. Her lawyers have argued that these fines were fabricated and used to justify her initial illegal detention.
The international community has been calling for Amaghlobeli’s release since her detention in January. The European Parliament, the Clooney Foundation, and various rights organizations have demanded her “immediate” and “unconditional” release.
**Read More:**
* European Parliament Demands Journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli’s ‘Immediate’ and ‘Unconditional’ Release
* Clooney Foundation to Monitor Mzia Amaghlobeli’s Trial
* Press Freedom, Journalists, and Rights Organizations Demand Immediate Release of Amaghlobeli
