MEP Lena Schilling: The case of Mzia Amaghlobeli shows that democracies are in danger – what she has been charged with is not a criminal offense in most European countries

“It is our responsibility as Members of the European Parliament to closely observe what is happening here. Mzia’s case gives us hope, because she is standing, she remains courageous,” said Austrian MEP Lena Schilling, speaking about the case of Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, before the start of her court hearing.

According to her, the European Union is closely monitoring developments in Georgia and around the world, as unfortunately, similar events are taking place in many countries.

“I am a Member of the European Parliament. This case is being followed closely in Europe, in the EU, and we are monitoring this process. This is what we are seeing around the world. There are brave women and journalists who speak out, express their opinions, work for democracy, and this case is not the only one. I want to clearly state that Russia influences how journalists are able to do their jobs, especially women who are brave enough to speak out — this is how they are treated afterwards. This is not an isolated case, it’s happening everywhere,” she said.

Lena Schilling stated that she wants Georgia to return to its European path. According to her, democracy in Georgia is currently under threat.

“I truly want Georgia to return to the path of a European future and become a member of the EU in a few years. That’s why we must protect democracy. This case shows that democracies are in danger, because when a journalist speaks out, it becomes a political case. What she has been charged with is truly something that, in most countries, would not be considered a criminal offense. Just like in most European countries, this wouldn’t be a criminal case at all,” said the MEP, who attended Mzia Amaghlobeli’s court hearing.

For context, Mzia Amaghlobeli has been charged under Article 353^1 of the Criminal Code, which involves assaulting a police officer. She was initially detained under administrative charges during a protest in front of the main police department in Batumi and released about two hours later. Just minutes after her release, she was detained again at the same location.