In the Georgian town of Rustavi, journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli’s health deteriorates as she endures a hunger strike that has stretched into its third week. Her lawyer reports that at 49, she now struggles to walk just a short distance to meet anyone, raising grave concerns among human rights advocates, family, and colleagues about her well-being. Arrested during an anti-government rally in Batumi on January 12, she is among over 40 individuals detained amid increasing political unrest following disputed elections won by the ruling Georgian Dream party. Critics argue that the party’s actions push Georgia closer into Russia’s sphere of influence, halting its aspirations to join the European Union.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze asserts that the government’s actions are justified, claiming protesters are attempting to instigate a revolution akin to Ukraine’s 2014 uprising against a pro-Kremlin regime. In a move largely criticized by the European Union, Georgian Dream enacted laws similar to Russia’s, limiting the rights of media and civil society, as well as LGBTQ+ communities, sparking a wave of public demonstrations.
Amaghlobeli, who founded two key independent media outlets, faces serious charges resulting from her protests, with potential maximum sentences reaching seven years. Reports from many detainees reveal alleged instances of physical abuse and mistreatment during their arrests, raising red flags for international human rights organizations alarmed by the aggressive tactics employed. “All of that paints a picture of an aggressive campaign to halt these demonstrations,” remarked Alice Jill Edwards, the U.N. special rapporteur on torture.
A video surfaced showing Amaghlobeli reacting to the police chief’s intimidation with a slap, an act following physical mistreatment, as her lawyer contends. The Interior Ministry has promised to review these allegations; however, the Prime Minister indicated the nature of her actions remains clear-cut under the scrutiny of public cameras. As Amaghlobeli’s hunger strike continues, international voices demand urgent intervention for her increasingly vulnerable state, emphasizing that it is a matter of life and death.
The chilling effect of Amaghlobeli’s arrest resonates with other journalists, as Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor of Netgazeti, expresses concern about the treatment of independent media figures. The case of Andro Chichinadze, a prominent actor detained following protests, mirrors this pattern of crackdown, with charges against him hinging on exaggerated claims of violence. Chichinadze himself likened his trial to a Kafkaesque nightmare, echoing the sentiments of his mother, who finds the accusations absurd.
As the crackdown escalated, police continued to detain more individuals through the weekend, reflecting ongoing unrest in Tbilisi. Some of those apprehended reported being subjected to brutality during their capture. In response, the Georgian Dream government proposed stricter legal repercussions for protest-related offenses, mirroring tactics seen in neighboring Russia and Belarus, prompting intense international scrutiny. Eka Gigauri from Transparency International Georgia remarked that the current climate resembles strategies historically used to suppress dissent.
The situation in Georgia escalates as state crackdowns lead to the arrest of dozens, including journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, who endures a hunger strike in custody. Allegations of torture and mistreatment among detainees raise alarm among human rights advocates. The ruling party’s increasing restrictions on freedoms, reminiscent of Russian tactics, threaten Georgia’s aspirations for EU membership, sparking widespread protests and international outcry.
The ongoing crackdown in Georgia, reminiscent of Russia’s oppressive tactics, has led to the jailing of numerous individuals, including prominent journalists and artists. Mzia Amaghlobeli’s deteriorating health amid her hunger strike highlights the human rights crisis evolving in the nation, drawing urgent calls for action from international advocates. The government’s stringent measures against protests signify a troubling shift, exacerbating fears for civil liberties as Georgia’s aspirations for European integration face increasing challenges.
Original Source: kstp.com
