The Batumi City Court is currently holding the final hearing in the criminal case against Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of independent media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti.

Judge Nino Sakhelashvili is hearing closing arguments from Amaghlobeli’s defense team. A verdict could be delivered at today’s session, though the judge may also choose to postpone the decision.

Supporters of Amaghlobeli have gathered outside the courthouse, demanding that the charges against her be dropped and calling for her immediate release.

The trial is being closely observed by representatives of the EU Office in Georgia, as well as diplomats from the embassies of France, Sweden, Germany, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Poland, and Lithuania. Parents of individuals detained during previous protests are also in attendance.

Former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has also arrived at the courthouse.

Amaghlobeli was initially detained on January 11 during a protest outside the Batumi police headquarters on administrative charges and later released. She was subsequently re-arrested under Article 353 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to assaulting a police officer – an offense punishable by 4 to 7 years in prison.