TBILISI, DFWatch–Batumi City Court will Monday hear the case of Mzia Amaglobeli, an award-winning newspaper editor charged with insulting a police officer.
Amaglobeli is the founder of Batumelebi, recipient of the 2009 Free Media Award. She faces both criminal and administrative proceedings, for slapping a police chief during a protest in January.
Her detention triggered widespread domestic and international concern, with human rights advocates and European politicians citing the case as emblematic of Georgia’s deteriorating democracy, media freedom and judicial independence under the rule of Georgian Dream (GD).
Supporters argue that Amaglobeli is being prosecuted for her role as a journalist and political dissident. Government officials deny political motivations, stating that the charges stem from violations of the law.
The prosecution has faced scrutiny after it emerged that a key witness had no formal training in assessing individuals in pain, casting doubt on some of the testimony.
Defense lawyers also claim Amaglobeli has been denied appropriate medical care and that her condition was not adequately addressed in court.
The government has not commented publicly on the upcoming hearings.
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