A group of 24 diplomatic missions in Georgia, including those of the EU, UK, US allies and several European nations, have issued a joint statement condemning what they describe as the ‘disproportionate and politically motivated’ two-year prison sentence of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli.
“We condemn the disproportionate and politicized verdict,” reads the statement, signed by embassies representing countries including France, Germany, Canada and the Netherlands. The diplomats express serious concern over Amaglobeli’s prolonged pre-trial detention, which reportedly worsened her health and vision.
The statement says the case against Amaghlobeli, along with reported pressure on independent outlets ‘Batumelebi’ and ‘Netgazeti’, shows a “growing pattern of intimidation, impunity, and legal persecution” of journalists in Georgia.
The signatories, all members or allies of the Media Freedom Coalition, reiterated their December 2024 call to end violence and intimidation against journalists. “We stand in solidarity with Mzia Amaghlobeli and call for her immediate release,” they said.
