As Georgia tightens its grip on civil society, the arrest of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli exposes the escalating assault on press freedom and democratic values in the country
Mzia Amaglobeli, a veteran journalist and founder of Gazeti Batumelebi and Netgazeti, renowned for her investigations into corruption and abuse of power, has been detained for six months. Arrested on January 12, 2025, on charges of assaulting a police officer, Amaglobeli faces up to seven years in prison in a case that international observers increasingly describe as “politically motivated.”
On July 14, in the coastal city of Batumi, a nearly three-hour hearing took place, attended by diplomats from the European Union and seven countries, alongside representatives from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), International Press Institute (IPI), and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The three organizations called for Amaglobeli’s immediate release, denouncing a smear campaign aimed at discrediting her professionally and personally.
“The trial of Mzia is shrouded in a shocking campaign to destroy her credibility as a journalist and as a person. With her health deteriorating, this situation is unacceptable and must end,” said Gypsy Guillén Kaiser from CPJ.
Amy Brouillette of IPI reaffirmed that “the charge is entirely disproportionate and must be dropped,” while Jeanne Cavelier of RSF highlighted serious procedural irregularities in the case and its political nature, praising Amaglobeli’s calm and determined testimony reaffirming her commitment to independent journalism.
Mzia Amaglobeli is the first female journalist to be jailed in Georgia since the country’s independence in 1991. During her detention, her vision and overall health have worsened, while many in Georgia’s journalism community see her arrest as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence the independent press amid increasing restrictions on democratic freedoms. Just last week, 17 European foreign ministers and the EU’s High Representative expressed “deep concern” over the growing repression in Georgia.
In recent years, Georgia has experienced a decline in press freedom conditions. Journalists have been beaten, harassed, jailed, and targeted by smear campaigns while the Georgian Dream government has passed restrictive laws such as the “foreign agents” law and amendments to grant and broadcasting laws aimed at limiting independent media and NGOs. Attacks on journalists often occur with the complicity or inaction of authorities, fostering a climate of impunity.
The outlets founded by Amaglobeli, which have reported on human rights violations and corruption for 25 years, have endured threats and pressures under different governments while continuing to provide impartial news to the public. However, the environment for independent journalism is becoming increasingly dangerous.
Since 2012, Georgia has been governed by the Georgian Dream party, founded by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, which has gradually tightened its control over institutions and media. Initially considered one of the most progressive countries in the Caucasus regarding democracy, Georgia has shown concerning backsliding in recent years.
Protests have been met with excessive force and arbitrary arrests, while human rights activists, civil society organizations, and political opponents face threats, smear campaigns, and legal pressure. Recent legislative changes threaten judicial independence and civil rights protection.
The government has also advanced a controversial “foreign agents” law requiring media and NGOs receiving over 20% of funding from abroad to register as “organizations pursuing the interests of foreign powers,” a measure that restricts the operations of independent organizations and curtails freedom of expression.
The deterioration of human rights in Georgia is unfolding alongside a gradual departure from the democratic standards required for the country’s European aspirations, while the Georgian people continue to mobilize to defend democratic spaces and freedoms.
A verdict in Amaglobeli’s case is expected at the next hearing, scheduled for July 28. CPJ, IPI, and RSF, as members of the Media Freedom Coalition, are urging strong international action to demand her release, recognizing that the future of press freedom in Georgia is a critical point for democracy in the region.
Sources Used
- Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
- International Press Institute (IPI)
- Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
- Netgazeti
- Gazeti Batumelebi
- EEAS – EU Statement on Georgia
- Freedom House: Georgia
- Human Rights Watch – Georgia
- Amnesty International – Georgia
- TV Pirveli coverage on YouTube
