On the situation of media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli

B100287/2025

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

(2025/2752(RSP))

The European Parliament,

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

Whereas Mzia Amaglobeli, prominent journalist and co-founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, has been held in pre-trial detention since 12 January 2025 and faces a prison sentence of four to seven years;

whereas Georgia’s Public Defender has contested Amaglobeli's pre-trial detention, citing insufficient evidence and procedural violations contrary to Georgian law and international standards; whereas Mzia Amaglobeli has endured a 38-day hunger strike since arrest and her health has deteriorated;

whereas this case demonstrates the authorities’ abuse of the justice system to punish Mzia Amaglobeli for exposing corruption and for reporting on election fraud during the 2024 elections;

1. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Mzia Amaglobeli, dropping of all charges against her, and impartial investigation into the circumstances of her detention and ill-treatment endured during arrest;

2. Reiterates its call for the immediate release of peaceful demonstrators, media representatives and opposition leaders, including former President Mikheil Saakashvili,Z urab Japaridze, Nika Melia, Nika Gvaramia, and Mate Devidze, and to end all political persecution; urges authorities to respect citizens’ right to freedom of expression and assembly, and refrain from using unwarranted force against protesters;

3. Strongly condemns the use of violence and degrading treatment against journalists and protesters in detention facilities and calls for independent investigations to bring those responsible to account;

4. Reiterates its demand to repeal recently adopted repressive legislation; strongly urges to end the weaponisation of legislation to silence independent media and civil society;

5. Regrets that the media and information space is dominated by ruling party-backed TV and media outlets spreading false narratives about EU integration and pro-democracy actors; condemns the Government’s pressure on digital media, bloggers and online platforms, using cyberattacks, internet shutdowns, and harassment against independent voices;

6. Reiterates calls on the EU and Member States to impose personal sanctions, including suspension of visa-free travel and asset freezes, on the Georgian officials, political leaders, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, judges, and security forces responsible for democratic backsliding;

7. Reiterates that, until authorities demonstrate a credible commitment to democratic principles and new parliamentary elections are held under improved electoral conditions with strong international presence, the EU will maintain its policy of non-recognition of the current President and one-party parliament; calls on EEAS, remaining EU institutions and Member States to limit diplomatic engagement with Georgian officials;

8. Reiterates its support for the Georgian people’s legitimate European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations; calls on the Commission to increase financial support for civil society and independent media broadcasting impartial news towards Georgia, and accelerate the provision of grants, such as financing and advertising activists travelling to the EU, notably through the European Endowment for Democracy; calls on Member States to support Georgian independent media and civil society, including those working in exile;

9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, Commission, HR/VP, Member States, President Salomé Zurabishvili and self-appointed current Georgian authorities.