The diplomatic missions of Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, representing member countries of the Media Freedom Coalition and aligned embassies to Georgia, has issued a joint statement on the sentencing of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, condemning” the disproportionate and politicized sentencing of Mzia Amaglobeli to 2 years in prison.”

“Mzia Amaglobeli’s case is further aggravated by her prolonged pretrial detention, during which her health condition and especially eyesight has deteriorated significantly.

The case of Mzia Amaglobeli and the pressure on Batumelebi and Netgazeti exemplify the escalating intimidation of journalists in Georgia, including unpunished violence and legal persecution, in clear violation of the country’s international obligations to protect media freedom and freedom of expression.

We repeat the message of the Media Freedom Coalition statement of 20 December 2024, condemning all intimidation and violence against journalists and media workers.

We express our solidarity with Mzia Amaglobeli and call for her immediate release,” reads the statement.

Batumi City Court has sentenced Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of the Batumelebi and Netgazeti media outlets, to two years in prison.