By 324 votes to 25, with 87 abstentions, the European Parliament adopted a resolution titled “The Situation of Media Freedom in Georgia, Particularly the Case of Mzia Amaglobeli.” The resolution strongly condemns the Georgian government’s actions against journalists and civil society, and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, co-founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, who was arrested during pro-European protests on 12 January 2025.
MEPs also demand the repeal of all repressive legislation, including the Foreign Agents Registration Act and amendments targeting media and civil society. The resolution describes these laws as part of a deliberate authoritarian strategy by the ruling Georgian Dream party to silence dissent.
The Parliament criticizes procedural violations in Amaglobeli’s case, including her pre-trial detention, lack of judicial fairness, and reports of inhumane treatment during a 38-day hunger strike. Estonia and Lithuania have already imposed sanctions on Georgian officials involved in the case.
In addition to Amaglobeli, the resolution calls for the release of Mate Devidze, Zurab Japaridze, Nika Melia, Nika Gvaramia, and former President Mikheil Saakashvili, labeling them political prisoners. It also denounces the abduction of the UNM chair’s husband and threats to her children.
The European Parliament urges the EU to increase support for independent media and civil society in Georgia and calls on Member States to consider bilateral sanctions against those responsible for the country’s democratic decline.
The resolution will be forwarded to EU institutions, Member State governments, international organizations, and Georgian authorities.
