Overview
- The Batumi City Court found Amaghlobeli guilty of "resisting, threatening or using violence" after she allegedly slapped Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze during a peaceful protest, reducing her initial assault charge and imposing a two-year sentence.
- Observers including Amnesty International criticized the trial for procedural violations, court bias and refusal to admit key defense evidence.
- Police testimony acknowledged that Amaghlobeli was verbally abused, spat on, injured and denied medical care in detention, fueling concerns over her health.
- Georgian tax authorities froze the bank accounts of her outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, putting independent media operations at risk of collapse.
- Diplomatic missions from 23 countries and press freedom organizations have condemned the verdict, called for an independent review and urged restoration of media freedoms as she prepares to appeal.