(As of February 4, 2025)

Current Context in Georgia

❖ Nationwide Protests: Protests erupted across Georgia on November 28, 2024, after the ruling Georgian Dream government announced its decision to halt the country’s European integration efforts— a move opposed by over 80% of the population.

❖ 69 Days of Resistance: For over two months, Georgians have taken to the streets in Tbilisi and other major cities, demanding democracy and human rights.

❖ Government Crackdown:

● Violent attacks on peaceful protesters.

● Journalists assaulted while reporting.

● Mass arrests and denial of fair trials.

● New repressive laws restricting fundamental freedoms.

❖ Mass Arrests: Since November 28, nearly 600 protesters have been detained, with 53 currently imprisoned and facing sentences of 4 to 9 years. Among them is Mzia Amaghlobeli, a journalist and human rights defender.

Who is Mzia Amaghlobeli?

● A Voice for Press Freedom: Mzia Amaghlobeli is a renowned Georgian journalist, founder of the independent media platforms Batumelebi and Netgazeti, dedicated to fearless reporting in a country where press freedom is under attack.

● Arrest & Hunger Strike: Mzia was unlawfully arrested on January 11, 2025, in Batumi during peaceful protests.

● She has been on hunger strike for 24 days, despite suffering from a chronic illness and being denied adequate medical care.

● Her condition is deteriorating, yet she refuses to stop, stating: “Freedom is more valuable than life.”

Why This Matters?

Twenty-four years ago, when authoritarian rule made it “hard to breathe” in Batumi, Mzia—a 26-year-old journalist from the Adjara mountains—took a bold stand. She founded an independent newspaper that became a lifeline for democracy, ensuring that the voices of the oppressed could be heard.

For over two decades, she has fought for press freedom, democracy, and Georgia’s European future. Now, she sits in pre-trial detention, risking her life for the same values she has always defended.

This is not just Mzia’s fight—it is a fight for all unlawfully detained prisoners, for free speech, and for Georgia’s future.

Call to Action

We demand the immediate release of Mzia Amaghlobeli. The world must not stay silent.