**Journalist‘s Detention Case Raises Concerns**
Mzia Amaghlobeli, the director of online news outlet Batumelebi/Netgazeti, has been on a hunger strike for over 32 days. She was arrested on January 11 and charged with administrative and criminal offenses.
**Charges Disputed**
Amaghlobeli’s lawyers argue that she did not commit any administrative or criminal offense. Video footage shows her placing a sticker on a police barricade, an act that does not constitute an administrative offense under Georgian law. Her case has not been forwarded to court for review.
**Health Concerns**
The medical group established by the Public Defender Office is reviewing Amaghlobeli’s health condition and preparing a written assessment. Despite her wish to be transferred to prison, she remains in the clinic due to her deteriorating health.
**Calls for Action**
Amaghlobeli’s defense team has called on the court to cancel her pretrial detention and release her. They also demand that the Prosecutor’s Office drop the unlawful charges against her and grant her victim status. Additionally, they request an investigation into the mistreatment Amaghlobeli experienced while in custody.
**Concerns Over Police Behavior**
Amaghlobeli has accused Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze of verbal and physical mistreatment. Her defense team argues that she was denied access to water and meeting with her legal team for several hours after her initial detention, violating her fundamental rights.
**Investigation Delayed**
An official investigation into Amaghlobeli’s alleged mistreatment was only launched on January 17, five days after it was notified. Despite this, Amaghlobeli has not been granted victim status.
**Protests and Calls for Release**
Amaghlobeli’s case has sparked protests and calls for her release from various organizations and individuals. Her health condition requires clinical supervision, and she remains in the clinic despite her wish to be transferred to prison.
**Concerns Over Repression of Independent Press**
The watchdog group GYLA argues that Amaghlobeli’s prosecution is a political repression of independent press. They demand an investigation into the mistreatment Amaghlobeli experienced while in custody and call on the Prosecutor’s Office to drop the unlawful charges against her.