On August 6, 2026, the day marking one year since Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli was sentenced to two years in prison, Polish-Belarusian journalist and 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought laureate Andrzej Poczobut voiced his solidarity with her and called for freedom for all those persecuted for defending democracy and human rights in Georgia. …
Tag Archives: Press Freedom
One Year Since Mzia Amaglobeli’s Verdict, International Community Renews Calls for Her Release
On the first anniversary of Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli‘s sentencing, the Media Freedom Coalition, the European Union, and several Western embassies have renewed calls for her immediate and unconditional release, describing her imprisonment as politically motivated and disproportionate. International coalition renews calls for Mzia Amaglobeli’s release one year after sentencing A year after Georgian journalist …
Hungarian Journalist Detained in Georgia as Court Reviews Residency Extension Request
According to the journalist’s lawyer, Hungarian journalist László Róbert Mészesi, who has been staying in Georgia, has been detained. Speaking to Netgazeti, lawyer Tornike Janelidze said that Mészesi is being transferred to the Migration Department. The lawyer is also heading there, and said that further details will become available afterward. The lawyer believes the detention …
Empty Chair and 84 Postcards: Irish PEN Event Shows Solidarity with Imprisoned Georgian Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli
Members of an audience in Northern Ireland have written 84 postcards of support to imprisoned Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli in a powerful show of international solidarity. The postcards were written during Irish PEN’s annual Freedom to Write event at the John Hewitt International Summer School in Armagh, Northern Ireland on July 29, where an empty …
Vakho Sanaia Becomes First Journalist Ordered to Detention Over Facebook Posts
Journalist and Formula TV anchor Vakho Sanaia has been ordered to serve 14 days of administrative detention over Facebook posts, following a case brought against him over alleged insults directed at public officials. He becomes the first journalist in Georgia to be ordered into detention over social media posts. Sanaia’s detention comes after he was …
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Georgian Broadcaster Formula TV Fined Amid Financial Crisis
The Georgian National Communications Commission has fined critical TV channel Formula 5,000 GEL. This is the third time in the past four months that the Commission, based on its periodic media monitoring, has reviewed Formula for allegedly violating the provision of the Law on Broadcasting that concerns content regulation. The fine comes as Formula TV …
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Formula TV May Be Fined Again or Have Its Broadcasting Licence Suspended Over Use of the Term “Dream’s Government”
Critical TV channel Formula TV could face another fine or even the suspension of its broadcasting licence for using terms such as “Dream’ government” and similar expressions. Georgia’s Communications Commission is set to consider the case on 17 July. This will be the third time in the past four months that the Commission has reviewed …
Critical Broadcaster Formula TV Loses Defamation Case Brought by Georgian Dream Propagandist
Tbilisi City Court Judge Liana Kajashvili has fully upheld the civil lawsuit filed by Georgian Dream propagandist film director Goga Khaindrava against the critical TV broadcaster Formula TV. The court ordered “Shabatis Formula” to retract the “materially false statements containing information damaging to the claimant’s reputation, honour and dignity” broadcast in its report. It also …
Journalist Afgan Sadygov Detained in Azerbaijan After Authorities Reopen Case Previously Closed, Enabling His Deportation from Georgia
A court in Azerbaijan has ordered the detention of journalist Afgan Sadygov after reopening a criminal case that Azerbaijani authorities had officially closed just two months earlier. Sadygov — who was forcibly deported from Georgia in April despite legal concerns raised by the European Court of Human Rights — says the case is politically motivated …
Detained While Putting Up a Poster: Over A Year Later, Court of Appeal Orders Review of Amaglobeli’s First Arrest
On April 23, Batumi City Court was due to hear another case involving imprisoned Georgian journalist and Sakharov Prize laureate Mzia Amaglobeli, but the hearing was postponed until May 11. The case concerns an incident on January 11, 2025, when Amaglobeli placed a sticker on the fence of the Adjara Police Department building. She has …
Aliyev Visits Georgia a Day After Tbilisi Deports Journalist Afghan Sadygov
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, arrived in Georgia today, on April 6. The Georgian government confirmed the visit only today, despite reports about Aliyev’s trip having circulated unofficially as early as yesterday. According to official information, Ilham Aliyev is scheduled to meet with Irakli Kobakhidze and Mikheil Kavelashvili. His program also …
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Early Release for Mzia Amaglobeli Denied Over “Unrepentant Attitude”
Cover Photo: Mzia Amaglobeli holding a handwritten poster that reads: “Don’t Stop! Don’t Register” (referring to registering as a foreign agent when receiving foreign grants) The Local Board of the Special Penitentiary Service reviewed Mzia Amaglobeli’s case for conditional early release (parole) and rejected it because she “still does not repent her actions.” The law …
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ECHR Registers Mzia Amaglobeli’s Application Over Degrading Treatment in Police Custody
The European Court of Human Rights has registered a third application submitted on behalf of Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of Batumelebi&Netgazeti, concerning ill-treatment that took place on January 12, 2025. The application was submitted by the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA). It was submitted on March 4, 2026, and the ECHR registered the case within one …
Judge Dismisses Case Against Tabula Journalist After MIA Video Evidence Confirms She Was Filming the Protest
Judge Tornike Kapanadze has dismissed the administrative offence case against Tabula journalist Mariam Kuprava, who had been accused of “artificially blocking the road” while covering the weekly protest, the “Saturday March.” Kuprava had faced up to 15 days of administrative detention, even though video evidence presented by the Ministry of Internal Affairs showed that she …
Journalists on Trial: Hearing for Netgazeti Reporter Postponed; Photojournalist’s Case Dismissed, Mediachecker Reporter’s Decision Delayed
The hearing of Netgazeti journalist Mariam Dzidzaria, who is facing up to 15 day detention for covering protest, was postponed just minutes after it began. Judge Tornike Kapanadze has not yet set a date for the next session. The postponement request was made by Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia representative Tinatin Kachkachishvili, who said …
MIA Challenges Definition of Journalism, Seeks 15-Day Detention for Reporter Despite Wearing Press ID at Protest
The court hearing in the administrative offence case against Tabula journalist Mariam Kuprava has been postponed to March 30 at the request of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). Kuprava, along with Mariam Dzidzaria of Netgazeti, is accused of “artificially blocking the road” while performing professional duties. Both journalists face up to 15 days in …
Netgazeti Journalist Faces Up to 15 Days in Detention Over Protest Coverage
A journalist from Netgazeti, Mariam Dzidzaria, is facing up to 15 days of administrative detention after being accused by Georgia’s Interior Ministry of blocking a road while covering a protest, despite clearly displaying press identification. Dzidzaria and Tabula journalist Mariam Kuprava were both charged with “artificially blocking the road” while reporting from demonstrations on Rustaveli …
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Georgia’s Supreme Court Rejects Appeal of Journalist and Sakharov Prize Laureate Mzia Amaglobeli
Georgia’s Supreme Court has declined to consider the appeal of Mzia Amaglobeli, co-founder and director of the independent media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti. Under Georgia’s legal system, a Supreme Court decision to declare an appeal inadmissible means the court will not review the merits or substance of the case, and the appellate court’s decision remains final. As a result, the …
Individual U.S.-Based Crowdfunding Donation Prompts Regulator to Open Case Against Kavkasia TV
Georgian National Communications Commission has launched administrative proceedings against TV company Kavkasia TV over a donation received from the United States. The information was made public by Nino Jangirashvili, director of Kavkasia TV, who published the letter received from the Georgian National Communications Commission. The Commission has requested a written explanation from the broadcaster within …
Independent Georgian Media Outlet Radio Marneuli Receives Second Warning Over Foreign Funding
The Georgian National Communications Commission has issued a written warning to independent regional media outlet Radio Marneuli over a grant received from the U.S.-based international organization NED. “32,542 GEL, which we were warned about, covered the four-month salaries of 12 staff members,” Radio Marneuli’s founder and director, Kamila Mamedova, told Batumelebi. “The funds were received as …
“She Has No Expectations” – Mzia Amaglobeli’s Brother Comments After Meeting Her in Prison
“Mzia thanks everyone. She has no expectations and has no information whatsoever regarding a possible pardon… No one from the prison administration has visited her today or yesterday either. Due to the weather, she has not been able to watch television channels. Yesterday, only Formula was available until 7 p.m. Mzia is feeling well and …
Sakharov Prize Laureate Mzia Amaglobeli Convicted After Unfair Trial, CFJ’s TrialWatch Says
The trial and conviction of Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli violated her right to a fair trial and constituted an abuse of process, the Clooney Foundation for Justice asserted in a new TrialWatch Fairness Report released today. Amaglobeli, who was arrested one year ago this week, is the co-founder of the independent Georgian media outlets Batumelebi …
Georgian Dream Seeks Retraction and Apology From BBC Over Chemical Weapons Report
“Georgian Dream” has filed an official complaint with the BBC. The announcement was made by Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of Parliament of Georgian Dream. According to him, the complaint was submitted to the BBC yesterday, on January 14. On December 1, the BBC published an investigative report alleging that chemical weapons dating back to World War …
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ECHR Registers Second Application by Jailed Georgian Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli
The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), which represents the interests of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), has announced that the Court has registered a second application lodged on her behalf. This application concerns her administrative detention and the related proceedings. Sakharov Prize 2025 laureate and Georgia’s first female journalist …
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“A Legally Worthless Verdict”: Lawyers Challenge Mzia Amaglobeli’s Conviction at Supreme Court
The lawyers representing Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2025 laureate, imprisoned Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, have filed a cassation appeal with the Supreme Court of Georgia. The lawyers are challenging the decision of the Kutaisi Court of Appeal, which upheld the two-year prison sentence imposed on Mzia Amaglobeli by the Batumi City Court. In …
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …