A medical group created by the Public Defender visited Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder of “Batumelebi” and “Netgazeti”, at the Vivamed clinic, on Friday.

Upon leaving the clinic, gastroenterologist Giorgi Gvilia stated that the medical team’s collective opinion is that Mzia Amaglobeli should continue treatment in the clinic.

“The condition is concerning and not simple. She has been on a hunger strike for several days. Based on the medical documents and history, her condition was even more critical before hospitalization. Since being transferred to the clinic, all necessary measures and examinations are being conducted.

Currently, her condition is not extremely critical, which could be expected after several days of hunger strike. This is likely due to the clinic and my colleagues’ adequate and timely treatment. However, it must be said that this condition has its limits, which vary for different individuals,” Giorgi Gvilia said.

Discussing potential health risks, Gvilia noted: “Changes can occur in various bodily systems – heart, digestive system, kidneys, lungs, liver. There could be gradual deterioration and system failure. Therefore, we agree that if the patient continues the hunger strike, in the interest of her life, she should remain in the clinic and receive adequate treatment.”

Gvilia also mentioned that Mzia Amaglobeli experiences weakness, but has not yet reached a critical state.

“There is a significant weakness, but critical life-changing developments have not yet begun. This is also a result of the clinic’s good treatment,” he stated.

Another clinic physician, endocrinologist Elene Giorgadze, also commented that at this stage, it is advisable for Mzia Amaglobeli to remain in the clinic.

“Everything is happening adequately. No one knows exactly when or what complications might occur,” she said.

Georgian Public Defender created a group of doctors on 6 February to assess the adequacy and timeliness of medical services provided to Mzia Amaglobeli by the Penitentiary Service (including the contractor clinic (s).

Mzia Amaglobeli, founder and director of the media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, has been on a hunger strike for 27 days at Rustavi Prison.

The Batumi City Court ordered her imprisonment as a preventive measure on January 14, following her arrest on January 12 under Article 353 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to the assault of a police officer.