The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) announces that, according to their information, Mzia Amaglobeli will undergo eye examinations this week at a clinic of her own choosing. “GYLA has learned that this week the prison administration plans to have Mzia Amaglobeli undergo eye examinations at the clinic she selected,” the organization writes. Mzia Amaglobeli — …
Category Archives: Articles in English
What Happens to the Body After Camite Exposure? — A Doctor Explains
“No gas should ever be mixed into a water cannon. Any solvent is neurotoxic, regardless of what it dissolves, and it can affect the central nervous system. Mixing a solvent with a water jet creates a perilous precedent,” says narcologist Zurab Sikhuralidze. We spoke with him about the chemical substances mentioned in the BBC investigative …
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Camite: What We Did—and Did Not—Learn About the Substance Mixed into Water Cannons
On December 1, the BBC World Service published an investigative report alleging that Georgian police forces targeted demonstrators with chemical weapons dating back to World War I during last year’s anti-government protests. Georgian Dream denies the BBC’s information and claims that no banned substance was used; however, to this day, they have not specified exactly …
Interview with a Doctor Whose Study on Chemical Exposure During Georgia’s Protests Was Featured in the BBC Investigation
On December 1, the BBC World Service released a documentary indicating that the Georgian authorities likely used a toxic chemical compound called against protesters during the first week of the pro-European demonstrations. According to the BBC investigation, the compound is Camite—a substance last used during World War I. The report highlights the ongoing protests that …
Public Defender Launches Inquiry as Mzia Amaglobeli’s Vision Reaches Alarming Condition
Following an appeal by the lawyers of Mzia Amaglobeli, the Public Defender’s Office has launched an investigation into whether adequate medical treatment is being provided to her in detention. Mzia Amaglobeli, an award-winning journalist, co-founder and director of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, has been unlawfully imprisoned for almost 11 months. According to her lawyers, her eyesight …
“Mzia Amaglobeli Deprived of Necessary Medical Care in Detention” – GYLA Demands Immediate Intervention
“Mzia Amaglobeli’s vision has significantly worsened since she was placed in the penitentiary facility, reaching an alarming level. Despite numerous requests, she has not received the medical examinations needed to plan her treatment. To date, she has been unable to consult a doctor, which is essential for making informed decisions and organizing treatment to preserve …
Eagle Hills in Europe: What Happened to Its Mega-Projects?
In recent days, public debate in Georgia has intensified over the investment agreement signed with the UAE-based company Eagle Hills. The deal, valued at $6.6 billion, envisions large-scale development projects in Tbilisi and Adjara, including the construction of new residential areas and tourist infrastructure. The agreement has been designated as a commercial secret. The ruling …
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Appellate Court Upholds Two-Year Prison Sentence for Mzia Amaglobeli
Today, November 18, the Kutaisi Court of Appeals upheld the Batumi City Court’s verdict sentencing Mzia Amaglobeli to two years in prison. The decision will be appealed to the Supreme Court of Georgia. On August 6, Batumi City Court judge Nino Sakhelashvili reclassified the charges. Amaglobeli was initially charged under Criminal Code of Geogria, Article 353¹ …
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“I’m not afraid of imprisonment, I am afraid of what I will find outside – will I find a country conquered by the Russia without a tank?!”
Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, laureate of Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, addressed panel of judges at the end of appellate hearing: “There is nothing to say, really, except to express my gratitude for this worthy defence. The defence speech that we heard today in this historic building, which is called the court, is the voice …
“I Demand Acquittal, Not Pardon”: Defence Concludes Five-Hour Closing Statement
At the Kutaisi Court of Appeal, journalist Mzia Amaglobeli’s lawyer Maia Mtsariashvili concluded her closing statement. At the end of her 5-hour speech, she addressed the judges – Nikoloz Margvelashvili, Nana Jokhadze and Marina Siradze. “Judges, The court of first instance saw and heard everything – it cannot be shown more clearly than we have …
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“When a Citizen Is a Prisoner of Conscience: Is Georgia a True Rule-of-Law State?” – Closing Statement of Amaglobeli’s Defence
At the appellate hearing of Mzia Amaglobeli, lawyer Maia Mtsariashvili described her client’s integrity, her lack of political or economic influence, and law-abiding life, stressing that given Amaglobeli is recognized as a prisoner of conscience, it is now the court’s responsibility to determine whether Georgia truly functions as a rule-of-law state. She stated: “Today, I …
“This Is a Case of Systemic Illegality and Violence”: Amaglobeli’s Defence Delivers Closing Statement at Appellate Court
“This is a case of systemic illegality, systemic violence. This is a case of police retaliation, a case of whitewashing the system’s unlawful actions. At the same time, it is a case of police revenge,” said Maia Mtsariashvili today, on November 18, during Mzia Amaglobeli’s ongoing hearing at the Kutaisi Court of Appeals. At this …
Ivanishvili-Affiliated Speaker Calls U.S. Vice President JD Vance a “Deep State” Representative
Zaza Shatirishvili, a speaker affiliated with Bidzina Ivanishvili — a Russia-enriched oligarch and Georgia’s strongman — is calling U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance a representative of the “deep state.” His letter was disseminated by the Georgian Dream propaganda mouthpiece Imedi TV. The statement issued under Shatirishvili’s name is built entirely around conspiracy theory rhetoric. In …
Georgian Dream Announces Plans to Abolish Anti-Corruption Bureau, Personal Data Protection Service and Business Ombudsman
The ruling Georgian Dream party has unveiled plans for significant government restructuring. The Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Personal Data Protection Service will be abolished, with all their functions transferred to the State Audit Office starting 2 March 2026. Meanwhile, the Business Ombudsman will move under the Ministry of Economy beginning 1 January 2026, according to Parliament …
Georgian Dream Moves to Ban Overseas Voting, Targeting Large Critical Electorate
Georgian citizens will no longer be able to vote from abroad in parliamentary elections — Georgian Dream plans to introduce corresponding amendments to the Election Code. The statement was made today, 17 November, by GD’s Parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papuashvili. According to him, a new Election Code will be initiated in Parliament, which will include “essentially …
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Another Application Concerning Violations of the Rights of Mzia Amaglobeli has been Lodged before the Strasbourg Court
One day before the final hearing in the appellate case of Georgia’s imprisoned journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) has announced that it is filing a new application with the ECHR on behalf of her. The application concerns Mzia Amaglobeli’s unlawful administrative arrest and the violations committed in the course of the …
“No ‘Deep State’ Found” – Nine Months Later, Phone Exam Shows No Evidence Against Mzia Amaglobeli
The second appellate hearing in the case of Georgia’s imprisoned journalist and 2025 Sakharov Prize laureate, Mzia Amaglobeli, took place on November 18 at the Kutaisi Court of Appeals. Both the Prosecutor’s Office, which is seeking to increase the charges and sentence against Mzia Amaglobeli, and Amaglobeli’s lawyers, who are requesting that the verdict against …
“I Didn’t Raise Nine Children for Them to Live in Russia”: Rusiko Kobakhidze Sentenced to Detention for the Second Time
Judge Koba Chagunava has sentenced Soviet history researcher, educator, and historian Rusiko Kobakhidze to three days in administrative detention for the second time, again on the grounds of “blocking the road.” “The violation is evident, and there are no circumstances that would rule out detention,” — said Judge Koba Chagunava in his reasoning. The first …
Criminal Case Launched Against Former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia Over “Gavrilov’s Night” and Chorchana Checkpoint Incidents
Criminal prosecution has been initiated against former Prime Minister and opposition For Georgia party leader Giorgi Gakharia in connection with the June 20, 2019 events and the Chorchana checkpoint case. The announcement was made on November 12, by the Prosecutor General, Giorgi Gvaramidze, at a press briefing. Gakharia is charged with organizing the intentional infliction …
Turkey Confirms 20 Soldiers Killed in Air Crash in Georgia Near Azerbaijani Border
Turkey has confirmed that 20 servicemen were killed when a C-130 military transport aircraft crashed in eastern Georgia near the Azerbaijani border on November 11. The Republic of Türkiye Ministry of National Defence confirmed the loss of its servicemen in an official statement on X: “Our heroic comrades-in-arms were martyred on November 11, 2025, when …
Key Points from Mzia Amaglobeli’s Appellate Court Hearing
On November 11, the Court of Appeals in Kutaisi began hearing the case of Mzia Amaglobeli. Her lawyers are appealing the verdict delivered on August 6 by Batumi City Court Judge Nino Sakhelashvili, which sentenced Amaglobeli to two years in prison. The defense is seeking her full acquittal. The prosecution has also appealed, demanding conviction …
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Mzia Amaglobeli: “This Case Has No Connection to Law or Justice — My Imprisonment Is a Political Decision of the Regime”
Mzia Amaglobeli, Georgia’s imprisoned journalist and Sakharov Prize laureate, founder of Netgazeti and Batumelebi, requested to speak at the Court of Appeals. “I want to wish resilience and victory to the society in resistance. I want to thank the audience here in the courtroom, as well as my fellow supporters outside and my family, for …
Turkish Aircraft Crashes Near Georgia-Azerbaijan Border, Investigation Underway
An aircraft has crashed near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border. Footage of the crash has been shared by the pro–Georgian Dream TV channel Imedi, which reported that the aircraft was believed to be a Turkish military jet. However, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has clarified that it was a cargo aircraft, and the details are still under …
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Multi-Billion Dollar Project Eagle Hills Contract Classified as Commercial Secret
The investment agreement signed with Eagle Hills, under which major development projects are to be carried out in Tbilisi and Adjara — including the creation of new residential and tourism infrastructure — has been classified as a commercial secret. This is stated in a decree issued by the Government of Georgia on October 22. According …
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Georgian Dream Promotes Prosecutors Involved in Mzia Amaglobeli’s Politically Motivated Case
According to information provided to Batumelebi, the prosecutors handling Mzia Amaglobeli’s case have been promoted: Tornike Gogeshvili has been appointed Deputy Chief Prosecutor of Batumi, while Shota Chkhaidze has become Deputy Chief Prosecutor of Ozurgeti District. The Prosecutor’s Office press center did not respond to Batumelebi’s inquiry about these personnel changes on November 6. Several …
Prosecutor’s Office Launches Criminal Proceedings Against Eight Opposition Leaders for “Crimes Against the State”
The Prosecutor’s Office has launched criminal proceedings against eight opposition leaders, charging them with crimes against the state. The announcement was made today, November 6, by the Prosecutor General of Georgia, Giorgi Gvaramidze, at a press briefing. According to him, criminal prosecution has been initiated against Mikheil Saakashvili, Giorgi Vashadze, Nika Gvaramia, Nikanor Melia, Zurab …
From Prosecuting for the UNM Government to Banning UNM: Former Prosecutor Chairs Constitutional Court Panel
The ruling Georgian Dream party is invoking the murder case of Sergeant Roin Shavadze and past violations of journalists’ rights as arguments to ban the United National Movement and other opposition parties. The constitutional complaint has been assigned to the same judge who, as a prosecutor, oversaw the original investigation of Shavadze’s case during the …
Georgian Dream’s Foreign Ministry Questions Objectivity of European Commission Enlargement Report
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgian Dream responds to the European Commission’s 2025 Enlargement Report, which ranks Georgia as the candidate country with the most negative assessment among the ten candidate countries. In a statement issued by the ministry, it says the European Commission’s critical evaluation is unfounded and “used for yet another round …
Georgia Called ‘Candidate Country in Name Only’ in EU Annual Enlargement Package
The European Commission’s 2025 Enlargement Report delivers its harshest assessment yet of Georgia’s democratic decline, warning that the country’s EU accession process has “de facto reached a halt” following a year marked by repression, human rights violations, and hostile anti-EU rhetoric from the ruling Georgian Dream government. In the 2025 Georgia Report, published on November …
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Teacher and Civil Activist Nino Datashvili Released on Bail After Months in Pretrial Detention
On October 29, teacher and civil activist Nino Datashvili, who had been held in pretrial detention, was released from the Rustavi Women’s Prison after the court replaced her detention with bail. Tbilisi City Court Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili granted the prosecution’s motion to substitute Datashvili’s pretrial detention with bail set at 5,000 GEL. The prosecution’s decision …
Georgia Prosecutors Move to Replace Nino Datashvili’s Detention with Bail Amid Critical Health Concerns
The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia announced on October 29 that it will request the court to replace the pretrial detention of imprisoned teacher and activist Nino Datashvili with bail, citing her deteriorating health. According to the statement, recent medical examinations confirmed that Datashvili requires surgery and subsequent treatment. “Taking into account the defendant’s health condition, …
Imprisoned Teacher and Civil Activist Nino Datashvili’s Health in Critical Condition, Defense Team Seeks Her Release
The health of imprisoned civil activist and teacher Nino Datashvili, a prisoner of conscience, has deteriorated sharply, raising serious concerns about her survival in detention. Her husband, Godi Pruidze, wrote on Facebook that he visited Datashvili on October 28 at the Rustavi Women’s Colony and found her in alarming condition. According to Pruidze, Datashvili can …
21 Individuals Charged in Case Involving Embezzlement of Rural Development Agency Grants
According to the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance, as part of an ongoing probe into the legality of how grants allocated by the Rural Development Agency of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture were spent, another member of an organized group has been arrested on charges of large-scale embezzlement of state funds, …
Protesters Face Charges for Allegedly Obstructing Pro–GD TV Crews as Violence Against Independent Media Journalists Remains Unpunished
Seven participants of the October 4 protest have been granted bail after being charged with obstructing film crews from pro-government media outlets. Six of the protesters were each released on 3,000 GEL bail, while civil activist and former TV host Irakli Tsulaia was assigned a 5,000 GEL bail. Despite this, Tsulaia remains in custody, as …
Former Adjara Government Head Tornike Rizhvadze Expected to Return to Georgia, Says Ex-Maritime Agency Chief
The former head of Georgia’s Maritime Transport Agency, Aleksi Akhvlediani, has told media that former Chairman of the Government of Adjara, Tornike Rizhvadze, is expected to return to Georgia in the near future. Akhvlediani made the statement on October 27, shortly before the start of his court hearing. “I stand by my position — I …
Tamar Lortkipanidze Charged with Violence, Police Vehicle Attack, Faces 4–7 Years in Prison
Tamar Lortkipanidze, 48, who climbed onto a patrol car during the October 22 protest in Tbilisi, has been formally charged by the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office with violence and attacking a police vehicle. The Ministry of Internal Affairs initially detained Lortkipanidze under Article 239 of the Criminal Code, which covers hooliganism. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, …