Georgia: Appeals court upholds journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli’s two-year sentence
Mzia Amaghlobeli’s appeal was denied
On November 18, the Kutaisi Court of Appeals in Georgia concluded the case of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of the popular outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, and upheld her August sentence: two years in prison.
Mzia Amaghlobeli was accused of assaulting a police officer after slapping him during a protest in January in response to verbal insults.
She was initially charged under Article 353 of the criminal code, which carries a prison term of four to seven years. Her lawyers petitioned for her acquittal and release.
On the day of the original verdict, August 6, 2025, the judge reduced the charge to the lesser offense and found the journalist guilty of resisting a police officer.
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How the appeal hearings took place
The appellate panel in the case of Mzia Amaghlobeli, composed of Nikoloz Margvelashvili, Marina Siradze, and Nana Jokhadze, reviewed the case materials from November 11. In total, three hearings were held.
During two of the hearings, Amaghlobeli spent several hours standing in the glass dock for defendants. She was only allowed to sit with her lawyers during the first hearing.
All three hearings took place in a small courtroom with 24 seats, meaning that most of those who came to support her could not enter. Dozens of supporters, colleagues, and family members were not even allowed into the courtyard, as the gates were tightly locked.
Supporters chanted slogans such as “Freedom for Mzia,” “Freedom for the regime’s prisoners,” and “Burn the oligarchy” throughout all three hearings.
Here is a clear English translation:
Lawyer’s statement: “They didn’t even search her apartment because they knew they wouldn’t find a single tetri”
At the final appellate hearing on November 18, Mzia Amaghlobeli’s lawyer, Maya Mtsariashvili, spent several hours arguing why her client’s imprisonment was absurd.
“I represent Mzia Amaghlobeli, who has never held any power. She is not corrupt. She has no multi-million assets. She owns a single apartment, probably worth around 100,000 lari (about $35,000). She has never owned any works of art. She has never even taken part in road blockades — something that participants in continuous pro-European protests in Georgia often do — JAMnews.
She has never been fined. The police didn’t even search her home because they knew they wouldn’t find a single tetri. She has only one office — the Batumelebi editorial office,” Mtsariashvili said.
She concluded her hours-long speech with:
“This sentence could have been handed down against anyone. Judges, the first-instance court saw everything, yet it legalized injustice. Mzia is a prisoner of conscience. She is innocent, and we demand a fair decision.”
The courtroom erupted in applause when the lawyer finished her statement.
Mzia Amaghlobeli: “My country fights for its freedom, and it is being seized without tanks”
Mzia Amaghlobeli also took the opportunity to speak:
“Essentially, I have little to say except to express my gratitude. The defense we heard today in this historic building called a court is a voice of truth. A voice that strengthens me greatly and, I believe, will serve as an example of struggle for many people beyond myself — especially for the part of society fighting for a democratic Georgia.”
She referenced the repressive laws passed by the ruling Georgian Dream party:
“I do not know how fair the sentence you have handed down will be, or how long I will remain in the criminal justice system for a slap. We have such repressive laws that one can be arrested for wearing a mask. There is no need to ask why – the regime will make up whatever it needs.”
Amaghlobeli emphasized the importance of continuing the fight and urged her supporters not to lose faith:
“If we lose faith, the regime will surely arrest us again and again, doing everything to humiliate, insult, and even expel us from our own country.
Prison is neither easy nor simple, but it is not dangerous. I do not fear imprisonment; I fear what awaits me outside. There is a country there, fighting for its freedom, and it is being seized without tanks.
I believe love for one’s homeland and a sense of dignity are innate qualities. Dignity goes beyond defending the constitution. I urge you to fight while it is not too late. Fight to the very end!”
Former President Salome Zurabishvili: “Georgia will survive!”
Fifth President Salome Zurabishvili attended the final hearing, as she has many times before in this case.
“The sadistic tendencies of the regime are evident even in the choice of a small courtroom. They think no more than 28 family members and supporters should be allowed to support a person whom the whole world has recognized as a professional journalist and tireless freedom fighter.
Mzia has received numerous international awards. Thank you for setting an example for us. Because of such examples, dignity and true patriotism have a future. Georgia will survive!” Zurabishvili wrote on social media.
“Freedom for Mzia!” chanted people outside as the journalist was escorted from the appellate court yard.
Mzia Amaghlobeli is serving her sentence in the women’s prison in Rustavi. She is the first female journalist in Georgia’s history recognized as a prisoner of conscience.
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