Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli testifies in Batumi City Court

Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti media outlets, testified to Batumi City Court today.

During the session, Amaglobeli was questioned for the first time about her arrest and period of imprisonment.

“I am among those in my generation and in the media who refused to accept the flattering Soviet-style journalism. When my friends and I established our newspaper, there was a Russian military base in Adjara, and the border with the rest of Georgia was at Choloki. When we exposed this injustice, we quickly gained the support and trust of the public. Governments do not favour professional, critical journalism, and this becomes even more dangerous when the country lacks an independent judiciary. About a dozen investigators were involved in my case, yet no real investigation took place.
A certain Dgebuadze swore he would ‘put me behind bars on the criminal charges,’ and he did his best. I don’t know how long I might stay behind bars—perhaps years—because the regime wants it that way,” Amaglobeli stated.

Before her testimony, the lawyers filed a motion to interrogate Amaglobeli from the tribune, but the judge did not grant the request.

Furthermore, due to shouting and noise in the courtroom, the judge decided to transfer the proceedings to another hall, which led to further commotion among those present.