
Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder and manager of online publications “Batumelebi” and “Netgazeti,” is the first female journalist prisoner of conscience in Georgia.
Mzia Amaghlobeli is being punished by the regime of oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, who earned his billions in Russia, for her impartial journalism and exemplary civil activism. She did not commit the criminal offense she was charged with by Ivanishvili’s regime.
Since January 12, when the oligarch detained our colleague Mzia Amaghlobeli, every one of us faces the threat of arrest for our professional activities.
Under the rule of the Georgian Dream government, the media environment in Georgia has sharply deteriorated in recent years. In addition to the threat to independent media organizations created by the “Russian style law on the transparency of foreign influence,” adopted in the summer of 2024, verbal abuse and physical violence against journalists by representatives of the authorities have become alarmingly frequent. Additionally, Russian-style repressions against journalists have started.
During the coverage of pro-European protests in November and December 2024, more than 90 instances of violence against journalists by the regime’s special forces and police were recorded. None of these incidents have been investigated or prosecuted by the Georgian Dream investigative bodies, leaving the perpetrators unpunished.
In 2024-2025, the oligarch’s regime arrested numerous journalists on administrative charges only to release them after imposing fines or brief administrative detentions.
The fact that Mzia Amaghlobeli has been arrested on criminal charges demonstrates that the oligarch’s regime has entered a new phase in its persecution of critical journalists. This involves imprisoning journalists based on fabricated charges, as has occurred in recent years in Russia, Belarus, and neighboring Azerbaijan.
We demand the immediate release of the prisoner of conscience, Mzia Amaghlobeli! We call on international organizations protecting journalists’ rights and representatives of friendly countries’ diplomatic corps to raise their voices against the mass persecution of journalists by Bidzina Ivanishvili’s regime and to protect media representatives in Georgia.
Signatories:
Kamila Mamedova, Radio Marneuli
Laura Gogoladze, Chemi Kharagauli
Maia Metskhvarishvili, Studio Monitor
David Mchedlidze, Rustavi Media Group
Khatia Lomidze, Media Checker
Boris Sajaia, Media Checker
Lia Chakhunashvili, Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics
Theo Kavtaradze, Studio Monitor
Tamara Mshvenieradze, Public Broadcaster, Real Space
Bela Zakaidze, Public Broadcaster, Moambe
Sopho Aptsiauri, Project 64
Rusa Kvinikadze, Public Broadcaster, Real Space
Elene Zakashvili, Project 64
Nino Lomadze, Indigo
Giorgi Gogua, Project 64
Omar Tsotsoria, Public Broadcaster, Real Space
Nata Dzvelishvili, Indigo
Tamar Babuadze, Indigo
Eter Turadze, Batumelebi
Shevleg Gegchkori, Georgian Radio
Mariam Bogveradze, OC Media
Nino Khozrevanidze, Formula
Natia Shavadze, Journalist
Levan Sutidze, Tabula
Mamuka Kuparadze, Studio Re
Maia Shonia, Studio Re
Manana Ghoghoberidze, ai, fact
Nanuka Bregadze, ai, fact
Ekaterine Kopaliani, Journalist
Luka Pertaia, Journalist
Nana Biganishvili, Studio Monitor
Sopho Afriamashvili, Journalist
Nino Dadvani
Ketevan Vashagashvili
Nene Dalakishvili, Formula
Zura Dvali, Studio Re
Vancent Khabeishvili, News.on.ge
Giorgi Mgeladze, Journalist
Eter Midelashvili, Journalist
Mariam Kachkachishvili, Journalist
Natia Mikhelidze, ai, fact
Nina Baidauri, Netgazeti
Zurab Vardiashvili, Publika
Thea Adeishvili, Mtavari Arkhi
Eka Saria, Mtavari Arkhi, Postfactum
Eka Kadagishvili, Journalist
Tinatin Peikrishvili, Journalist
Manana Manjgaladze, BMG
Giga Gelkhviidze, CNews.ge
Irina Makaridze, CNews.ge
Mariam Takidze, April
Salome Gorgodze, Publika
Lika Zakashvili, Publika, Editor-in-Chief
Natia Amiranashvili, Publika, Editor
Gela Mtivlishvili, Mtis Ambebi, Editor
Mamuka Mgaloblishvili, Publika
Mariam Nikuradze, OC Media
Mamuka Andghuladze, Media Advocacy Coalition
Tamar Gegidze, April
Mariam Gabelaia, April
Tatia Shurghaia, April
Nino Kakhishvili, Netgazeti
Natia Tskipurishvili, Netgazeti
Tinatin Dvalishvili, Media Manager
Gulo Kokhodze, Samkhertis Karibche
Zaza Karchiladze, Broadcaster
Nana Chkhikvishvili, Guria News
Maka Tsnobiladze, Jamnews
Lia Shavgulidze, Public Broadcaster
Elisabed Zubashvili
Sandro Jufalakiani
Tinatin Macharashvili, Media Researcher
Konstantine Stalinski, Netgazeti
Ninia Kakabadze, Media Checker
Nino Narimanishvili, Jamnews
Natia Inauri, Interpressnews
Natasha Khubaev-Shtikova, Jamnews
Sopho Bukia, Jamnews
Natia Kuprashvili, GRC
Dachi Grdzelishvili
Tamar Rukhadze, Journalist
Tinatin Zazadze, Samkhertis Karibche
Nunu [Nuka] Stepnadze, Samkhertis Karibche
Alexander Keshelashvili, Publika
Giorgi Giorgashvili, Project 64
Eliso Jariashvili, Journalist
Nino Chichua, Netgazeti
Beka Beridze, Project 64
Mikheil Gvadzabia, OC Media
Giorgi Kvizhinadze, Formula
Tamar Robakidze, Journalist
Maia Tsiklauri, Jamnews
Lamuna Iremashvili, Tok.tv
Natalia Vakhtangashvili, Journalist
Zviad Koridze, Journalist
Nino Shubitidze, Studio Monitor
Nino Tsverava, Studio Monitor
Nestan Tsetskhladze, Netgazeti
Magda Gugulashvili, Journalist
Gia Gogatishvili, Journalist
Tamta Nachkebia, Publika
Tamar Bagashvili, Formula
Maka Pankvelashvili, Formula
Salome Chaduneli, Radio Liberty
Nina Kheladze, GRC/Tok.tv
Irma Charakashvili, GRC/GARB
Maia Ivelashvili, tv9news.ge
Gogi Gvakharia, Radio Liberty
Tamar Jincharadze, TV Pirveli
Manana Eliashvili, TV Pirveli
Guga Archvadze, TV Pirveli
Inga Grigolia, TV Pirveli
Tatia Tumanishvili, TV Pirveli
Alexander Nabakhteveli, TV Pirveli
Maka Chikhladze, TV Pirveli
Maka Andronikashvili, TV Pirveli
Nodar Meladze, TV Pirveli
Mariam Gaprindashvili, TV Pirveli
Tamta Dolenjashvili, TV Pirveli
Nino Arazashvili, TV Pirveli
Magda Sabashvili, TV Pirveli
Liza Mosidze, TV Pirveli
Tamar Kalandadze, TV Pirveli
Ana Tsereteli, TV Pirveli
Vika Bukia, TV Pirveli
Taso Tkeshelashvili, TV Pirveli
Nino Gvedashvili, TV Pirveli
Lika Jankarashvili, TV Pirveli
Ana Mdivani, TV Pirveli
Gvantsa Berukashvili, TV Pirveli
Ina Tsartsidze, TV Pirveli
Zaal Udumashvili, TV Pirveli
Eko Maghradze, TV Pirveli
Giorgi Darjania, TV Pirveli
Gvantsa Chkhikvadze, TV Pirveli
Khatia Samkharadze, TV Pirveli
Irma Stepnadze-Iashvili, TV Pirveli
Saba Tsitsikashvili, Qartli.ge
Tamar Nozadze, TV Formula
Ekaterine Samkharadze, TV Formula
Cesili Bochoidze, TV Formula
Ana Makharadze, TV Formula
Maia Chapodze, TV Formula
Nata Koridze, Civil.ge, Managing Editor
Ia Goliadze, Journalist
Levan Uridia, Public Broadcaster Adjara Television and Radio News Journalist
Nino Tarkhnishvili, Radio Liberty
From Rusu Gvaramadze, tv9news.ge
Eka Kevanishvili, Radio Liberty
Toma Begiashvili, Radio Liberty
Teimuraz Inasaridze, Samkhretis kaibche
Shorena Glonti, journalist
Khatia Mumladze, Mosaic News Agency
Gvantsa Doluashvili, Mosaic News Agency
Ana Jioshvili, Mosaic News Agency
Landa Birtvelishvili, Mosaic News Agency
Mariam Pataraia, Kutaisipost
Ketevan Gelashvili, Kutaisipost
Eka Kukhalashvili, Kutaisipost
Tekla Morgoshia, Kutaisipost
Giorgi Isakadze, BMG
Telara Gelantia, BMG
Anna Lapiashvili, BMG
Nino Tabatadze, BMG
Shota Tkeshelashvili, BMG
Giga Benia, BM
Elene Kvanchilashvili, BMG
Natia Taktakishvili, BMG
Tamuna Mukbaniani, BMG
Maryam Varadashvili, BMG
Nutsa Shubashvili, BMG
Salome Khidureli, BMG
Tinatin Natmeladze, BMG
Maryam Titvinidze, BMG
Teona Kharabadze, Public Broadcaster Adjara Television and Radio
Maia Mamulashvili, Kakhetis Khma
Natalia Tsiskarashvili, Kakhetis Khma
Maryam Okrotsvaradze, Kakhetis Khma
Maka Khaziuri, Kakhetis Khma
Ia Mamaladze, Guria News
Giorgi Sikharulidze, Guria News
Akaki Sikharulidze, Guria News
Nazibrola Rekhviashvili, Factcheck.ge
Nino Kapanadze, Chemi Kharagauli
Gia Khasia, Atinati
Rusudan Kalichava, Atinati
Maia Pipia, Atinati
Tinatin Bekia, Atinati
Vika Ubilava, Atinati
Sulkhan Meskhidze, Adjara Times
Irina Kurua, Public Broadcaster Adjara Television and Radio
Nino Artmeladze, Batumelebi
Nana Kvachadze, Batumelebi
Manana Kvelishvili, Batumelebi
Lela Dumbadze, Batumelebi
Tedo Jorbenadze, Batumelebi
Shorena Amaglobeli, Batumelebi
Roin Gundadze, Batumelebi
Irma Dimitradze, Batumelebi
Archil Kakhadze, Batumelebi
Mariam Mutidze, Batumelebi
Tsago Kakhaberidze, Batumelebi
Ia Prangishvili, Batumelebi
Jaba Ananidze, Batumelebi
Guram Murvanidze, Batumelebi
Irma Zoidze, Studio REC
Maia Merkviladze, Editor of Public Broadcaster Adjara Radio
Teona Turmanidze, Public Broadcaster, correspondent of Adjara Television and Radio of the Public Broadcaster
Zaira Lomadze, employee of the online service of the Public Broadcaster
Tekla Mchedlidze, producer of the radio of the Public Broadcaster
Davit Trapaidze, head of the radio broadcasting service of the Public Broadcaster
Maia Varshanidze, editor and host of the socio-political program of the Public Broadcaster Adjara Radio
Vladimer Menabde, Guriis Moambe
Giorgi Diasamidze, Radio Liberty
Lasha Zarginava, editor/host of analytical programs of the Public Broadcaster Adjara Television and Radio
Nino Gelashvili, Radio Liberty
Luba Giorgadze, journalist of Channel 9
Lela Kunchulia, Radio Liberty
Sopho Zurabiani, TV Formula
Guram Rogava, TV Formula
Khatuna Saghinadze, TV Formula
Giorgi Girkelidze, Guria News
Mariam Makasarashvili, TV Pirveli
Diana Trapaidze, TV Pirveli
Natalia Kajaia, TV Pirveli
Tekla Donadze, TV Pirveli
Ana Akhalaia, TV Pirveli
Rusudan Dumbadze, TV Pirveli
Sophio Niauri, TV Pirveli
Nanuka Kajaia, TV Pirveli
Thea Tsetskhladze, TV Pirveli
Kristine Marabian, Jnews
Riba Gharibiani, Jnews
Shushan Shirinian, Jnews
Gevorg Janoian, Jnews
Fenia Torosian, Jnews
Aghunik Ayvazian, Jnews
Ani Minasian, Jnews
Ekaterine Shanidze, TV Formula
Natalia Barbakadze, News Agency “Spektri”, Editor
Nugzar Asatiani, Editor of the newspaper “Alioni”
Tinatin Akhvlediani, Mega TV
Tamar Kavtaradze, Mega TV
Mariam Jachvadze, Chai Khana Media
Elene Khachapuridze, Chai Khana Media
Sophio Khuntsaria, TV Formula
Giorgi Morchiladze, TV Kavkasia
Saba Bedineishvili, TV Kavkasia
Ana Glunchadze, TV Kavkasia
Nino Kodalashvili, TV Kavkasia
Nino Jangirashvili, TV Kavkasia
Sparkling Shermadini, Studio Monitor
Gvantsa Pipia, Accent News
Tea Giligashvili, Mtavari Arkhi
Gigla Tumanishvili, Mtavari Arkhi
Natia Trapaidze, Mtavari Arkhi
Zhanna Akopashvili, Mtavari Arkhi
Nino Balanchivadze, Mtavari Arkhi
Tea Inasaridze, Mtavari Arkhi
Davit Kobidze, Mtavari Arkhi
Ninutsa Kekelia, Mtavari Arkhi
Irakli Bakhtadze, Mtavari Arkhi
Dea Mamiseishvili, Mtavari Arkhi
Nanuka Maghlakelidze, Mtavari Arkhi
Nino Gazdeliani, Mtavari Arkhi
Nino Samkurashvili, Mtavari Arkhi
Keti Kebadze, Mtavari Arkhi
Davit Eradze, Mtavari Arkhi
Nina Machabeli, Mtavari Arkhi
Nino Zhizhiashvili, Mtavari Arkhi
Natia Kokosadze, Mtavari Arkhi
Ramaz Khatiashvili, Mtavari Arkhi
Maka Jakhua, Director of Radio Green Wave
Natia Zoidze, TV Formula
Tamuna Chikhladze, TV Formula
Teona Bakuridze, TV Formula
Eka Pkhakadze, TV Formula
Giorgi Dvalishvili, ATSSU
Khvicha Vashakmadze, Kutaisipost
Irakli Vachiberadze, Mtavari Arkhi
Guliza [NATO] Gubeladze, Regional Media House “P.S.” Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Nino Ramishvili, Studio Monitor
Vladimer Chkhitunidze, Radio Marneuli
Tiko Davadze, Radio Marneuli
Irakli Mskhiladze, Adjara Television
Nino Zuriashvili, Studio Monitor
Marika Dudunia, Studio Monitor
Zaza Tsuladze, Studio Monitor
Gela Bochikashvili, Radio Liberty
Tamar Gelashvili, Studio Monitor
Lika Antadze, Chai Khana Media
Davit Kokoshvili, Netgazeti
Keti Tutberidze, Studio Monitor
Nino Vashalomidze, TV Guria
Irakli Machitadze, Radio “Dzveli Kalaki”
Merab Metreveli, Palitra news
Khatia Ghoghoberidze, Media April
Zura Modebadze, Studio Monitor
Tatia Nikoladze, Jamnews
Mamuka Kantaria, Guria Today
Irakli Absandze, Journalist
Gvantsa Nadibaidze, Indigo
Saba Sordia, Indigo
Germane Salia, 9th Wave, Poti
Ia Bobokhidze, Chairwoman of the Regional Media Association
Sopho Vardiashvili, TV Formula
Nana Intskirveli, TV Formula
Manon Bokuchava, Kvemo Kartli Media
Tamta Dolidze, TV Guria
Giorgi Targamadze, TV Formula
Keti Nadibaidze, TV Formula
Tiko Nodia, Metronome
Eka Mishveladze, TV Pirveli
Khatuna Jangirashvili, TV Kavkas
Tamta Kakhaberidze, Netgazeti
Nona Mchedlishvili, Radio Liberty
Tamta Janadze, News.on.ge
Imeda Darsalia, Ra Media Global
Tamar Chavchanidze, TV Formula
Luka Khachidze, TV Formula
Tamar Kvachantiradze, Commersant
Kristina Kvachantiradze