BATUMI, GEORGIA — August 6, 2025
Prominent Georgian journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli has been sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of assaulting a police chief during a peaceful anti-government protest, in a ruling that international watchdogs and Western embassies say threatens press freedom in the South Caucasus nation.
Amaghlobeli, 50, a veteran investigative journalist and founder of independent media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, was found guilty by Batumi City Court on Wednesday. Originally facing a charge of assault, which carried a maximum sentence of seven years, she was ultimately convicted of the lesser offense of resisting and threatening a government official.
🎥 Arrest and Courtroom Drama
Amaghlobeli was arrested on January 12 during nationwide protests following Georgia’s disputed 2024 parliamentary election. She was one of over 50 demonstrators charged during a sweeping crackdown. In viral footage, she is seen striking Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze, a moment she said followed a chaotic stampede in which she was knocked to the ground and physically abused by police.
“They trampled over me with their feet,” Amaghlobeli said in her closing statement, describing how masked officers attacked her. “Then at the police station, I was subjected to more abuse.”
Her defense argued that she reacted emotionally under extreme pressure and did not receive a fair trial. Chants of “Free Mzia!” erupted inside and outside the courtroom as the verdict was announced.
🌍 International Condemnation: A Blow to Press Freedom
Rights organizations and foreign governments immediately condemned the verdict:
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A joint statement from 14 embassies, including the UK, France, and Germany, called it “another worrying example of the intimidation of journalists in Georgia.”
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Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) described the case as “a symbol of the fight between truth and control.”
“This is a sign of the declining environment for press freedom in Georgia,” said Gypsy Guillén Kaiser, CPJ’s advocacy director. “You either empower a free press or silence dissent — Georgia is making a dangerous choice.”
🏛️ Government Defends Action
Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed international criticism and accused Amaghlobeli of trying to discredit police forces.
“She attempted to discredit law enforcement,” he said. “Those trying to undermine statehood in Georgia will not succeed.”
⚖️ A Pattern of Repression?
The verdict comes amid widespread unrest and allegations that the ruling Georgian Dream party is backsliding into authoritarianism:
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The 2024 elections were widely contested and followed by mass protests.
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Opposition leaders have been jailed for refusing to testify in politically charged inquiries.
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Critics say the ruling party — founded by pro-Russian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili — is silencing dissent and drifting toward Moscow.
🧾 Foreign Agent Law Raises Alarm
In a move reminiscent of Russian policies, Georgian Dream passed the Foreign Agent’s Registration Act, requiring any organization receiving more than 20% of its funding from abroad to register as a “foreign agent.” The vague definitions have led to fears that independent media and NGOs could be criminalized.
“The government wants to scare us — force us to shut down, leave, or change professions,” said Mariam Nikuradze, founder of OC Media. “But most journalists remain brave and committed to the truth.”
🗝️ Key Takeaways
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Journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli sentenced to 2 years for slapping police chief during protest.
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Case widely viewed as politically motivated and part of a crackdown on press freedom.
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International criticism mounts amid authoritarian drift by Georgian Dream party.
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Georgia’s controversial foreign agent laws mirror Russian-style control of media.
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Civil society and journalists vow to continue fighting for democracy.
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