Journalist on Hunger Strike in Georgia Raises Alarm Amid Government Crackdown

Mzia Amaglobeli, a prominent journalist in Georgia, has been on a hunger strike for 25 days while in pre-trial detention after being arrested for slapping a police chief during protests. Her deteriorating health has raised alarms among friends and human rights advocates, who view her case as a critical indication of the government’s crackdown on press freedom and dissent.

Mzia Amaglobeli, a key voice in Georgian journalism, has garnered attention for her brave stance against perceived government oppression as she enters her 25th day of hunger strike in a Georgian jail. Detained under controversial circumstances following a slap directed at the Batumi police chief, her case has become a rallying point for advocates of press freedom and political dissent in a country grappling with increasing authoritarianism.

Amaglobeli, who co-founded two reputable news websites, including Batumelebi and Netgazeti, argues that her arrest aligns with a broader campaign of intimidation against journalists and protesters critical of the ruling Georgian Dream party. The 49-year-old was arrested during recent protests against alleged governmental election fraud and an abandonment of the quest for European Union membership.

Upon being detained, Amaglobeli's health has rapidly declined, prompting hospital visits. She remains resolute, stating in a letter from prison, “Today it is me, tomorrow it could be anyone who dares to dream of a just, democratic European Georgia.” This spirit of defiance reflects her dedication to challenging state narratives and advocating for the independence of the media.

International attention is mounting, with 14 foreign embassies in Georgia calling for her immediate release. The EU's human rights commissioner has also criticized her detention as unjustified. Advocates stress that her case embodies the risks faced by those daring to confront government authority in an increasingly polarized political environment.

Prominent figures within the Georgian government have expressed dissent towards her actions during the protests, emphasizing the inviolability of law enforcement. As protests have persisted, the detention of Amaglobeli stands alongside numerous reported instances of violence against journalists and civic leaders, widening concerns about the state's treatment of dissent.

Statements from human rights organizations echo the sentiment that Amaglobeli's legal troubles are politically motivated. Following her latest court hearing scheduled for March 4, the future of not only Amaglobeli but also the broader struggle for press freedom in Georgia hangs in the balance, as advocates rally around the need for accountability and transparency in a time of upheaval.