**EU Condemns Jailing of Georgian Journalist, Demands Release**
The European Union has strongly condemned the sentencing of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli to two years in prison. In a statement released on August 6, the EU called on Georgian authorities to release her and others who have been unjustly detained.
Amaghlobeli, founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti outlets, was sentenced by the Batumi City Court on August 2 for allegedly resisting, threatening, or using violence against a public official. The journalist was detained in January after a tense night of protests and arrests during which she slapped the police chief.
The EU statement emphasized that “media freedom and the right to freedom of expression are cornerstones of any democratic society.” Journalists should be able to carry out their work without fear of persecution or undue restraint, the bloc stressed.
However, the actions of Georgian authorities in targeting independent media undermine democracy, contradict international obligations, and run counter to the European aspirations of the Georgian people. The EU statement noted that it stands with the Georgian people and their European aspirations and remains committed to supporting civil society and independent media.
Critics argue that Amaghlobeli’s imprisonment is part of a broader crackdown by the ruling Georgian Dream party to silence dissent and intimidate independent voices. Earlier, 24 diplomatic missions of European countries in Georgia also condemned the sentencing, calling it “disproportionate and politicized.”
The EU statement comes as international and domestic reactions to Amaghlobeli’s verdict have been widespread, with many viewing her imprisonment as unfair and disproportionate.
**Background**
Amaghlobeli was detained in January after a tense night of protests and arrests during which she slapped the police chief. Although Judge Nino Sakhelashvili downgraded the initial harsher charge of “assaulting a police officer,” the verdict has drawn widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally.
Critics argue that Amaghlobeli should have never been imprisoned, viewing the ruling as part of a broader crackdown by the Georgian Dream party to silence dissent and intimidate independent voices. Earlier, 24 diplomatic missions of European countries in Georgia also condemned the sentencing, calling it “disproportionate and politicized.”
**Reactions**
The EU statement has been welcomed by many in Georgia who are concerned about the country’s democratic values and media freedom. However, the ruling Georgian Dream party has defended Amaghlobeli’s imprisonment, saying that she had broken the law.
Amaghlobeli herself has denied any wrongdoing and claims that her imprisonment is a form of revenge for her reporting on the government’s activities.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the EU’s statement will affect Georgia’s relations with European countries. One thing is certain, however: the fate of Mzia Amaghlobeli has become a symbol of the struggle for media freedom and democracy in the country.
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