**Lawyers Ask Judge to Recuse Herself from Mzia Amaghlobeli’s Case**
The lawyers of Mzia Amaghlobeli have asked the judge overseeing her criminal case to step down. The judge, Nino Sakhelashvili, did not agree to do so.
Mzia Amaghlobeli is the founder of two publications, “Batumelebi” and “Netgazeti.” She is facing a court case in Batumi City Court. Her lawyers say Judge Sakhelashvili should not be in charge of her case because she does not have the right qualifications to be a judge.
They also claim that Judge Sakhelashvili has been banned from entering several countries in the European Union and has previously worked against Mzia Amaghlobeli. This, they argue, makes it difficult for her to make fair decisions in their client’s case.
**Judge Rejects Motion**
Judge Sakhelashvili did not accept the lawyers’ request. She said that the issues raised by the defense do not have any basis in current law and therefore should not be considered. She also stated that this decision cannot be appealed until after the final verdict is given.
Mzia Amaghlobeli’s case is currently being heard at Batumi City Court. She faces charges under Article 353 of the Criminal Code, which carries a sentence of four to seven years in prison.
Initially, Mzia Amaghlobeli was arrested during a protest and released two hours later. However, she was re-arrested soon after her release near the police station where she had been protesting.
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