The punishment imposed on Mzia Amaghlobeli is disproportionate and harsh, but we saw that the regime had to retreat – stated Salome Samadashvili, one of the leaders of the “Lelo – Strong Georgia” coalition, commenting on the court’s verdict in the criminal case of Mzia Amaghlobeli, the founder of “Batumelebi” and “Netgazeti.”

As Samadashvili noted, she had expected a much harsher sentence.

“Mzia Amaghlobeli’s case goes beyond the challenge of one individual. It is an example of unyielding and heroic struggle. This is a case that truly reflects the essence of the political regime – a regime that is ready to crush people to demonstrate its own power.

Still, I believe that today they had to retreat and change the qualification of this case.

We expected worse; the sentence could have been much harsher. This should serve as an example that fighting always yields results. I believe the regime did not dare to send Mzia to prison for twice as long for one sole reason: they see that, alongside her unyielding struggle, society is fighting with great determination, and they see how much support she has from the public. This should be a signal for all cases involving political prisoners and in the fight against the regime. The resilience and active struggle of society bring corresponding results. This fight must continue. The punishment imposed is disproportionate and harsh, but we saw that the regime had to retreat,” Samadashvili 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. The penalties for this offense include 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.