Mzia Amaglobeli press freedom is under threat in Georgia. The prominent journalist and Sakharov Prize laureate has been jailed for one year. She is the first woman journalist to be imprisoned in Georgia since independence in 1991.
Amaglobeli is the founder of two respected news outlets, Batumelebi and Netgazeti, known for high journalistic standards. Her arrest has drawn international concern from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), International Press Institute, and Reporters Without Borders. These organizations are urging the Georgian government to release her immediately.
The jailing of Amaglobeli comes amid growing authoritarianism by the ruling Georgian Dream party. The party faced mass protests after suspending European Union accession talks in late 2024. Critics say her imprisonment is part of a wider press freedom crackdown.
“Mzia Amaglobeli has become a symbol of the Georgian people’s struggle against growing authoritarianism,” said press freedom groups. By keeping her behind bars, the government is sending a message that it intends to suppress independent journalism.
The international community calls for a fair investigation into possible violations of her rights. Journalists and human rights activists warn that continued imprisonment risks chilling free expression in the country.
Supporters are using #FreeMzia to raise awareness globally. They argue that ensuring her freedom is critical to preserving democratic values in Georgia.
Mzia Amaglobeli press freedom is not just a local issue. It reflects broader concerns about human rights, democracy, and the role of independent media in Eastern Europe. Many hope that the Georgian authorities will act quickly and allow her to resume her work.
