On Tuesday, Batumi City Court again decided to leave Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder of media publications Batumelebi and Netgazeti, in custody.
The decision, made by Judge Viktor Metreveli, was followed by a commotion in the courtroom. Mzia Amaglobeli held up a piece of paper on which was written: “Unjust court.”
Earlier, Mzia Amaglobeli stated in a letter during the trial that she did not agree with the charges and considered herself an illegal prisoner.
Shouts could be heard outside the Batumi City Court: “Russians”, “Slaves”. Citizens gathered outside the court were protesting the judge’s decision to keep Amaglobeli in custody and declared that she is a prisoner of the regime. “Russians, freedom to Mzia. Mzia, we are with you. Freedom to the media!” they cried.
Mzia Amaglobeli was initially detained under administrative law during a protest at the main police department in Batumi, and was released about two hours later. A few minutes after release, she was again detained .
The investigation charges Mzia Amaglobeli under Article 353 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to assault on a police officer, which is punishable by imprisonment for 4 to 7 years.
