The substantive hearing in the criminal case against Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder of the Batumelebi and Netgazeti media outlets, has commenced at the Batumi City Court.

Judge Nino Nameshvili is set to listen to the parties involved and review motions today.

Mzia Amaglobeli, who maintains her innocence, has been on a hunger strike for 38 days in protest of the charges against her.

Meanwhile, a rally in support of the journalist is taking place in the courthouse courtyard.

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 re-arrested on criminal charges after allegedly slapping Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze.