**Georgia’s Democratic Backsliding: MEP Reacts to Journalist’s Sentencing**
The sentencing of Mzia Amaghlobeli, the founder of two prominent Georgian news outlets “Batumelebi” and “Netgazeti,” has sparked a strong reaction from European Parliament Member (MEP) Rasa Juknevičienė. In a statement on social media platform X, MEP Juknevičienė condemned the 2-year imprisonment sentence handed down to Amaghlobeli.
**A Threat to Freedom and Democracy**
According to MEP Juknevičienė, Amaghlobeli’s sentencing is not just an isolated case of political persecution but a symptom of a larger problem – the erosion of freedom and democracy in Georgia. The MEP compared Ivanishvili’s regime to the Kremlin’s actions in Russia, suggesting that it was moving at an alarming pace to undermine democratic institutions.
**Changes to Charges: A Shift in Tactics?**
The judge changed Amaghlobeli’s initial charge from Article 353/1, Part 1 of the Criminal Code to Article 353, Part 1. The latter carries a penalty of imprisonment for 2-6 years, which is less severe than the original charge. However, as MEP Juknevičienė pointed out, this change in tactics does not diminish the gravity of the situation.
**A Symbol of Georgia’s Struggle for European Future**
Amaghlobeli has become a symbol of Georgia’s fight for a European future, according to MEP Juknevičienė. The journalist’s conviction and imprisonment are seen as an attempt to silence her and undermine the country’s democratic aspirations.
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