Mzia Amaghlobeli’s imprisonment speaks to a regime that no longer has the courage to back down when it is clear there was no crime, and when society has spoken its mind – it lacks the courage to follow through to the end or to truly retreat, remaining in a neutral zone, thinking it can escape. It will not escape! – stated Georgia’s fifth President, Salome Zourabichvili, to journalists at the Batumi City Court, commenting on the court’s decision regarding the criminal case of Mzia Amaghlobeli, the founder of “Batumelebi” and “Netgazeti.”

According to Zurabishvili, this fight will not end here.

“This speaks, first and foremost, to a regime that no longer has any courage or ability to back down when it is so clear that no crime was committed here and when society has spoken its mind. It lacks the courage to follow through to the end or to truly retreat. It remains in a neutral zone, thinking it can escape. It will not escape! This fight has not ended here. We saw Mzia’s total determination, which gives me great hope and is a powerful example for all of us. This regime cannot defeat it in any way. This is not the verdict we all expected, that Mzia would be released. Therefore, one cannot have any expectations from such regimes. We must be very clear in this assessment and know that we should expect anything. At the same time, we must see where the signs of weakness are, which became evident throughout this process. And where there is the greatest sign of strength – and that is called Mzia Amaghlobeli today. Thanks to her!

By keeping her in prison, [‘Georgian Dream’] has told the European Union what it tells it every day. Likewise, to all our partners, that we do not want to be with you, and this is our decision, supposedly our sovereignty. This is not the decision of the Georgian people. On the contrary, it goes against the will of the Georgian people, and no one can stand in the way of the Georgian people’s will,” Zurabishvili stated.

Zurabishvili also spoke about the case of doctor Giorgi Akhobadze, accused of a drug-related crime, whose verdict is to be announced today.

“I regret that I cannot be there at the same time. I intended to and very much wanted to be there as well. I am there in spirit and heart, by their side. Everyone’s fight is our fight! Everyone’s example is an example for us. They are all far stronger than this regime, and that is what we must see today and what should give us all a great purpose and reason to continue the fight,” Zurabishvili stated.

For reference, Judge Nino Sakhelashvili of the Batumi City Court reclassified the charge against Mzia Amaghlobeli, the founder of “Batumelebi.”

Specifically, she was charged under Article 353 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to resistance, threats, or violence against a public order protector or other representative of the authorities. This offense carries penalties such as a fine, house arrest for up to 2 years, or imprisonment for 2 to 6 years.

The judge sentenced Mzia Amaghlobeli to 2 years of imprisonment.

Initially, Mzia Amaghlobeli was charged under Article 353/1, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to an attack on a police officer, a special penitentiary service employee, another representative of the authorities, or a public institution. This offense carried a penalty of imprisonment for 4 to 7 years.