The prominent non-governmental organization of Georgia “media advocacy coalition” has demanded immediate release of Mzia Amaglobeli. Mzia Amaglobeli is director of Batumelebi and Netgazeti and was detained by authorities for involvement in anti-government protests.
The media advocacy coalition in Tuesday issued a statement and condemned the action of law enforcement and judicial system of country. A Kutaisi court of appeal has recently upheld her arrest.
The coalition termed this upholding of his arrest reflection of political persecution and helpless state of country’s judicial system.
The statement added that, The case Amaglobeli exposed influence of ruling party Georgian Dream on all parts of government. The party is now using law agencies as well as judicial system to attack independent media houses.
Notably arrest and punishment of Amaglobeli drew criticism not only from within country but also from across the international community.
On the other hand Mzia Amaglobeli vowed to continue his fight, and to show her commitment began a hunger strike in prison. The statement also mentioned details of case.
It showed that she was initially booked under article 173 of code of administrative offence was totally illegal and this article was imposed due to protest sticker. However, waiving or wearing a protest sticker cannot be termed as administrative offve.
The statement further added that all allegation of attack on police officer are result of false narrative to stifle independent media voices. The law enforcement agencies also kept her under imprisonment as preventative measure which was not required. Moreover, qualification of judge of Batumi court has also come under lens for controversial judgment.
Meanwhile NGO urged Georgian Dream to releaser her and cancel the groundless criminal prosecution against Mzia Amaglobeli. An empirical investigation should be conducted by the Special Investigation Service to bring exact facts in public domain.
While calling on international community NGO Media advocacy coalition requested them to keep a vigil on incidents happening in Georgia and put pressure on Georgian Dream to respect human rights.
The statement concluded with pledge to continue their fight against illegal action of government to stifle independent media voices.
