**Investigation into Police Abuse of Journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli Labeled “Ineffective”**
The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) has expressed serious concerns over the investigation into alleged police abuse of detained journalist and director of Batumelebi/Netgazeti, Mzia Amaghlobeli. According to GYLA, the Special Investigation Service (SIS) has failed to effectively investigate the allegations against Amaghlobeli’s detention by Batumi police on January 12.
**Concerns Over Bias in Investigation**
GYLA has noted that only subordinates of Batumi police chief Irakli Dgebuadze have been questioned so far, raising concerns about possible bias in the investigation. The SIS has also not heard from the public defender’s representative who met with Amaghlobeli in custody, further undermining confidence in the probe.
**Shortcomings in Investigation**
The GYLA has identified several shortcomings in the SIS’s investigation, including:
* Failure to examine surveillance footage
* Lack of forensic testing on Amaghlobeli’s clothing
* No investigation into the conditions of her detention
These omissions suggest that the SIS is not conducting a comprehensive and objective probe, as required by law. GYLA concludes that “the SIS’s investigation is not effective.”
**Amaghlobeli Faces Prison Sentence**
Amaghlobeli was arrested again on January 12 after slapping Irakli Dgebuadze in the face, an act she claims was in response to police abuse. She now faces four to seven years in prison for what has been classified as an assault on a police officer.
**SIS Under Scrutiny**
The SIS has faced scrutiny over its handling of protest-related abuse cases. A recent report by civil society organizations criticized the agency’s investigations into such cases, describing them as superficial. The Public Defender’s Office has documented 242 cases of alleged torture and ill-treatment of detainees during pro-EU protests, but the SIS has only granted victim status in 85 instances.
**GYLA Demands Effective Investigation**
The GYLA demands that the SIS conduct an effective investigation into Amaghlobeli’s allegations, including recognizing her as a victim. Until then, concerns over bias and inadequate probe will persist.
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