"I no longer recognize Germany – this is a very open and blatant interference in the independence of the Georgian judiciary," said Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in response to the German Foreign Ministry’s statement that Netgazeti and Batumelebi founder Mzia Amaghlobeli "must be released immediately."

According to Kobakhidze, Germany was once a country where the idea of a legal state developed significantly, but today that idea has been completely trampled upon.

"Previously, they were directly and harshly interfering in our elections—German politicians, the EU ambassador, and others. Now, they are directly and blatantly interfering in the independence of our judiciary. This is completely unacceptable. Especially since Germany has always been known for its deep respect for the principle of the rule of law and the legal state. I no longer recognize Germany; it is absolutely unrecognizable. This is the country where the idea of a legal state flourished, yet today this idea has been entirely crushed by German bureaucrats. This is personally disappointing for me because I received my legal education in Germany, and just twenty years ago, when I was studying there, they taught me something completely different from how German bureaucrats are acting today," said Kobakhidze.

When asked whether attitudes and approaches could change under a new chancellor, Kobakhidze responded that it depends on whether the new chancellor is independent from the influence of the "deep state."

"Let’s keep that hope. If the new chancellor is independent from the influence of the 'deep state' and the 'global war party,' then there will be changes. However, it is difficult to say anything in advance—we’ll see how events unfold," he added.