On Media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli

on Media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli

B100282/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on Media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli

(2025/2752(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

– having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas Mzia Amaglobeli, renowned figure in independent journalism and the director of the independent news websites "Batumelebi" and "Netgazeti", was detained on the night of 11-12 January and ordered to pre-trial detention on January 14; whereas she faces up to seven years in prison; whereas Amaglobeli’s case is considered emblematic for the unrelenting campaign of repression unleashed by the ruling Georgian Dream party against independent journalists, civil society, and peaceful protesters;

whereas on during her arrests Amaglobeli was subjected to sexist abuse by police, with Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze allegedly spitting on her and threatening violence; whereas police in Georgia are increasingly using gender-based violence, including degrading strip searches, against women involved in protests; whereas the authorities to date, have failed to investigate any police officers who allegedly ill-treated and otherwise abused her and other protesters;

whereas Georgian independent media is expected to be left decimated following the entry into force of the new Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) on 1 June, which grants the state authority to criminally prosecute media for failing to register as a “foreign agent”;

whereas the response from the EU and Member States to Georgian Dream’s crackdown against dissenters has been seriously lacking, with only few Member States imposing targeted sanctions on those responsible; whereas HRVP Kallas’ recent proposal for a Black Sea Strategy to boost mutual partnerships in the region also presents plans for enhanced cooperation with Georgia;

Condemns the illegal arrest and politically motivated prosecution of prominent Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli and calls for her immediate and unconditional release; urges the Georgian authorities to halt its harassment of peaceful protesters and release all political prisoners and others illegally detained without delay;

Expresses deep concern over reports, including in the case of Amaglobeli, of the systematic use of gender-based violence by the Georgian police to intimidate and punish peaceful protesters;

Regrets the persistent lack of action on behalf of the EU and Member States to ensure that their condemnation of Georgian Dream’s actions is not just stated, but felt by those responsible; reiterates its call on the EU and Member States to take coordinated action to surmount the political obstacles to adopting EU-wide sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili; calls similarly for sanctions against public officials and law enforcement that responsible for implementing repressive measures against peaceful protesters;

Expresses concern about the extent to which the EU’s plans within the Black Sea Strategy will entail a normalisation of relations with the Georgian authorities;

Calls on the EU to step up support for Georgia’s independent media following the entry into force of FARA, including by facilitating operations from EU Member States as needed;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the VP/HR, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and to the Georgian authorities.