Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder of Netgazeti and Batumelebi media outlets, will remain in custody, as the court cited an increased risk of her committing a new crime.

During Monday’s hearing to review her preventive detention, the court upheld the prosecutor’s request. This decision sparked protests and expressions of discontent both inside and outside the courtroom, where a rally in support of the journalist was taking place.

Among those present at today’s hearing was Grigol Beselia, the former head of the Adjara Police Department, who was also in attendance at the rally in Batumi on January 11. Notably, the founder of Netgazeti and Batumelebi media outlets posed questions to the prosecution’s witness.

The statements made by this high-ranking police officer starkly contradicted those of Amaglobeli. At the next hearing, Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze is scheduled to testify. Notably, the journalist is accused of assaulting him.

Meanwhile, a legal battle is unfolding internationally as the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) prepares to file a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights, citing violations of several articles of the European Convention.

According to official records, Amaglobeli was detained under Article 173 for allegedly insulting police officers. The incident occurred on January 11 when she was initially held for one hour on administrative charges near the Adjara Police Department. Following her release, she was detained again, this time on criminal charges, for allegedly slapping Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze. Mzia Amaglobeli maintained her innocence and protested by going on a hunger strike for 38 days.