EU in Georgia and other diplomatic missions condemn sentencing of Mzia Amaglobeli and call for her immediate release

On 6 August, 24 diplomatic missions in Georgia, including the EU Delegation to Georgia and the embassies of the EU Member States, condemned “the disproportionate and politicised” sentencing of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli to two years in prison. They expressed their solidarity with Mzia and called for her immediate release.

In addition to the EU, the list of diplomatic missions that signed the statement includes Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom.

“Mzia Amaglobeli’s case is further aggravated by her prolonged pretrial detention, during which her health condition and especially her eyesight have deteriorated significantly,” reads the statement. “The case of Mzia Amaglobeli and the pressure on Batumelebi and Netgazeti exemplify the escalating intimidation of journalists in Georgia, including unpunished violence and legal persecution, in clear violation of the country’s international obligations to protect media freedom and freedom of expression.”

The diplomats also repeated the message of the Media Freedom Coalition statement of 20 December 2024, condemning all intimidation and violence against journalists and media workers.

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