**Journalist Detained, Facing Criminal Charges**
Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder and director of newspaper Batumelebi in Georgia, was detained on January 12. She is being investigated for allegedly assaulting a police officer.
Amaglobeli was initially released after two hours but was later detained again at the Main Police Directorate building in Batumi. A spontaneous protest erupted outside the building, calling for her release.
Her defense lawyers claim they have not received formal notification of the charges against Amaglobeli yet. The charges must be formally brought or dropped within 48 hours.
**Police Investigate**
The police are investigating Amaglobeli’s actions during a confrontation with police chief Irakli Dgebuadze. According to her testimony, she was squeezed by the crowd and made an instinctive gesture to free her hand, accidentally hitting Dgebuadze.
Amaglobeli complained of police mistreatment to the Public Defender‘s representative. If found guilty, Amaglobeli faces 4-7 years in prison under Article 353 of the Criminal Code.
**Background**
Batumelebi newspaper has faced pressure and reprisals in the past for its investigative reporting. The journalists have won international awards for their work.
The Public Defender’s Office reported that during the nights of January 11-12, it visited 10 detained citizens and identified several violations, instances of mistreatment, and verbal assaults. Five individuals were reportedly arrested, with one detainee suffering injuries allegedly due to police violence.
Read More @ civil.ge