In an urgently alarming call to human rights advocates, The Observatory has alerted regarding the arbitrary detention of Mzia Amaghlobeli, a prominent Georgian journalist and advocate for press freedom. The situation escalated when she was arrested during protests in Batumi over alleged electoral impropriety, simply for displaying a poster in support of fellow demonstrators. Shortly after her initial release, an altercation with the police chief led to her re-arrest under dubious charges of assault, in a move perceived as retaliation against her journalistic efforts.
Mzia Amaghlobeli’s detention conditions have raised serious concerns about her treatment, particularly as she began a hunger strike to protest her unjust treatment. Reports indicate that during her time in captivity, she faced ill-treatment, and was denied appropriate medical care, leading to a rapid decline in her health. Despite legal appeals to overturn her detention, Georgian courts have upheld her pre-trial confinement until March 2025 under what appear to be disproportionate charges.
The Observatory condemns the actions taken against Ms Amaghlobeli, describing them as an infringement on her human rights and a threat to independent journalism in Georgia. They demand her immediate release and call for increased medical oversight to address the consequences of her hunger strike. It is crucial for the authorities to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of all human rights defenders in Georgia and abide by international laws protecting freedom of expression.
Mzia Amaghlobeli, a prominent journalist in Georgia, faces continued arbitrary detention and mistreatment after her arrest during protests. Following a confrontation with police, she was charged with assault, despite the circumstances being retaliatory rather than violent. She initiated a hunger strike to protest her detention but has since been deprived of adequate medical care. The Observatory demands her immediate release and the assurance of safety for human rights defenders in Georgia.
Mzia Amaghlobeli’s continued detention epitomises a troubling trend of suppressing press freedom and punishing dissent in Georgia. Her arbitrary arrest and the circumstances surrounding her treatment illustrate the dire need for systemic reforms to protect human rights defenders. The call for action is clear: ensuring her immediate release and safeguarding the rights of all journalists and activists in Georgia is imperative for the restoration of democratic principles and respect for human rights in the country.
Original Source: www.omct.org
