Detained Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli Intensifies Hunger Strike as Georgia Faces Political Turmoil

Mzia Amaglobeli, a 49-year-old journalist, has been on a hunger strike in a Georgian prison for 25 days, following her arrest during protests against the government's authoritarian actions. Accused of assaulting a police chief, she faces serious charges as her health deteriorates. Her situation has sparked national and international calls for her release, highlighting broader issues of press freedom and political repression in Georgia.

Mzia Amaglobeli, a 49-year-old journalist and founder of two popular news websites in Georgia, has been on a hunger strike for 25 days while detained in a prison in Rustavi. Amid her declining health—leading to hospitalization—she remains defiant, asserting, "I will not bow to this regime. I will not play by its rules." Her ordeal began after she was accused of slapping a police chief during anti-government protests in Batumi, where citizens have criticized the authorities for alleged electoral fraud and insufficient progress towards European Union integration.

The Georgian government maintains that Amaglobeli committed a serious crime, while human rights advocates and the EU's human rights commissioner argue that her detention is unjust and represents a concerning trend of press intimidation in Georgia. If convicted, she could face a prison sentence of four to seven years.

Amaglobeli’s case has drawn the attention of fourteen foreign embassies, which have urged for her immediate release and the reassessment of her charges. Protests calling for her freedom have emerged in both Batumi, her hometown, and the capital, Tbilisi, with images and messages advocating for her release prominently displayed in public spaces.

The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, has described Amaglobeli's actions as unacceptable, emphasizing the supposed inviolability of police officers. As public outrage grows, her family and colleagues portray her as a dedicated journalist whose commitment to freedom of expression has instilled courage in her peers amidst a climate of fear and repression.

Despite the regime's attempts to portray her as a criminal, several organizations assert her prosecution is politically motivated, a reflection of ongoing pressure against dissenters. Human rights groups have reported widespread abuses during the protests, noting that more than 90 journalists have been attacked since the unrest began, with no police personnel facing accountability for their actions.

As the situation unfolds, Amaglobeli faces the possibility of significant imprisonment for her alleged assault, a charge her supporters argue is a weapon used by the government to silence critical voices. Her next court appearance is scheduled for March 4th, indicating a critical juncture in a struggle symbolizing broader issues of press freedom and political repression in Georgia. As she persists in her hunger strike, the calls for justice and reform intensify, stirring international scrutiny on the Georgian government’s handling of dissent.