The European Parliament is set to hold a debate on Wednesday focusing on media freedom in Georgia, with particular attention to the case of Mzia Amaglobeli — a prominent Georgian journalist and founder of the media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti.
As stated on the European Parliament’s official agenda, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will address the broader issue of media freedom in Georgia, using Amaglobeli’s case as a key example of growing concerns surrounding press freedom and the safety of journalists in the country.
On Thursday, MEPs are also expected to vote on a resolution titled: “Media Freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli.” The outcome may have implications for EU-Georgia relations, amid increasing scrutiny of the Georgian government’s treatment of independent media and civil society figures.
Mzia Amaglobeli is widely respected in Georgia for her decades-long contribution to independent journalism. Her outlets have consistently published investigative reports and critical coverage of political developments, often in challenging media environments.
On January 11, Amaglobeli placed a sticker calling for a general strike on the gate of the Adjara Police Department. She was initially detained on administrative grounds, released on bail the next day, then promptly re-arrested.
Later that day, during confrontations outside the station, she allegedly slapped Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze—apparently after he verbally abused her. Video and eyewitnesses indicate the slap was mild and symbolic.
