Hunger Strike by Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli Raises Concerns Over Press Freedom in Georgia

Mzia Amaglobeli, a prominent journalist detained in Georgia, has been on hunger strike for 25 days as she faces pre-trial detention. With her health deteriorating, she symbolizes broader concerns about government oppression and press freedom amid ongoing protests against perceived electoral fraud and anti-democratic measures.

Mzia Amaglobeli, a well-known Georgian journalist and founder of two independent news websites, has entered her 25th day of hunger strike while imprisoned, stating, "I will not bow to this regime. I will not play by its rules." Her health is deteriorating, raising alarms among family members about her safety after she was hospitalized for treatment this week.

The 49-year-old journalist has been in pre-trial detention since slapping a police chief during protests against the Georgian Dream government in Batumi that erupted over accusations of election rigging and discontent with the government’s European Union alignment. Authorities have labeled her actions as a serious criminal offense, positioning her detention as a display of resistance against authoritarianism.

In a letter sent from Rustavi prison, Amaglobeli reflected on her situation, emphasizing the potential dangers faced by those advocating for a democratic Georgia free from Russian influence. Her plight has drawn international attention; the EU's human rights commissioner decried her detention as unjustified.

If convicted, Amaglobeli faces a potential prison sentence of four to seven years. The case has sparked widespread condemnation from foreign embassies, citing it as a concerning example of journalism suppression in Georgia. On January 11, during protests advocating for improved governance, she was arrested, illustrating the increasingly dangerous environment for dissent in the country.

Notably, her actions have been framed by Georgian officials as an assault against state power, with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze condemning her conduct and calling for respect towards police authorities. However, protesters rallying for Amaglobeli argue that her arrest is a politically motivated tactic aimed at hindering free expression and dissent.

Relatives and colleagues describe Amaglobeli as dedicated, hardworking, and non-confrontational, characteristics that starkly contrast with the aggressive measures currently employed by government forces against dissent. Despite her work's significance—establishing Batumelebi and helping to launch Netgazeti, both seen as reliable news sources—she has become an unwitting symbol of resistance.

Her persistence resonates in the protests that have engulfed the nation, as hundreds of demonstrators have faced detainment and violence from aggressive pro-government factions. As Georgia grapples with internal upheaval, the case of Mzia Amaglobeli not only highlights individual sacrifice but also raises profound concerns regarding the future of press freedom and democracy in the region.

The country's ongoing turmoil continues to expose vulnerabilities within its justice system, with investigations into potential abuses by authorities against Amaglobeli currently underway, spotlighting the urgent call for accountability and support for press freedom. Her next court appearance is scheduled for March 4.