I am not afraid of imprisonment. Imprisonment is neither easy nor simple, but it is not dangerous. What I fear is what I will find outside — a country fighting for freedom, or a country conquered without tanks.” – said Netgazeti and Batumelebi founder Mzia Amaglobeli during her hearing at the Kutaisi Court of Appeals.
Amaglobeli, who addressed the court herself, said that today “dignity stands above the protection of the constitution,” and called on the public to continue resisting repression.
“I have nothing to add to the legal argument. I only want to express my gratitude to my defenders. I believe this fight will serve as an example for many, especially those struggling for democracy,” she said.
Amaglobeli added that Georgia’s “repressive laws” allow the authorities to repeatedly detain people. “Let’s imagine the court sends me home, but with these laws they could bring me back. You can even be arrested for wearing a mask. The regime will come up with anything it needs,” she stated, urging citizens to “fight until the end.”
The Kutaisi Court of Appeals has upheld the first-instance court’s decision sentencing Mzia Amaglobeli to two years in prison.
Source: Radio Liberty
