The Batumi City Court Judge Nino Sakhelashvili decided that the ruling in the case of Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti media outlets, will be announced on August 6.

Mzia Amaglobeli delivered her closing remarks before the Batumi City Court, asserting that she is not evading her responsibility.

“Since the day I was imprisoned, I have repeatedly stated in this courtroom that I will not evade responsibility, unlike the so-called victim, Dgebuadze. There is a relevant article in the law that applies to my actions, specifically, slapping. I do not ask you to take into account that I am a woman, nor should my health condition influence your judgment. The evidence is sufficient.

I often see embassies and organisations dedicated to media and journalists’ rights on the left side. I do not interpret their presence here as personal support for me alone. Rather, they are here to stand with us for our future, our values and our European aspirations, including free speech. Their presence signifies that we are not alone in this struggle and that they stand with us in resisting a regime that is heading toward dictatorship. Thank you to Georgia’s friends.

Thank you to my colleagues, the journalists, and to everyone working in critical media, civil society, and all citizens, who stand up for freedom and embody the resistance.

I also have apologies to make. To my family, friends, and the teams of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, I want to express my heartfelt regret for not being with you during this most difficult and pivotal time.

Whatever decision you make, I want you to know that I consider myself victorious. Do not break! I believe in you. I am confident that, regardless of how hostile or dangerous the environment may be, all your efforts will be worthy and steadfastly aimed at defending freedom of thought and speech. Freedom to all prisoners of the regime! We are not criminals,” declared Mzia Amaglobeli.

In solidarity with Amaglobeli, her colleagues, friends, and supporters have gathered outside the Batumi City Court.

Law enforcement initially detained Mzia Amaglobeli in Batumi during a protest near the Police Main Department on January 11 under administrative procedure. She was later released on recognisance but was subsequently re-arrested under Article 353 of the Criminal Code, which concerns assaulting a police officer and carries a potential sentence of four to seven years of imprisonment.