Resolution on media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli

The European Parliament adopted by 324 votes to 25, with 87 abstentions, a resolution on media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled as a joint resolution by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew, Greens/EFA groups and Members.

Parliament demanded Mzia Amaglobeli’s immediate and unconditional release and the withdrawal of all charges against her and denounced her politically motivated arrest and prosecution.

Mzia Amaglobeli, a journalist and co-founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti outlets, was arrested during pro-European protests on 12 January 2025 and faces four to seven years in prison for a provoked incident involving a police officer.

Members strongly condemned the Georgian Dream regime's systemic assaults on democratic institutions, the political opposition, independent media, civil society and the independence of the judiciary.

Deeply concerned by the arbitrary detentions, harassment, and violence against journalists in Georgia, Parliament called for independent investigations and urged the authorities to immediately end the intimidation and ensure journalists’ safety and freedom. It urged the Georgian authorities to immediately release all political prisoners and other unlawfully detained persons.

Deploring the persistent inaction of the Council, Member States, and the Commission, Parliament reiterated its call for Member States to impose bilateral sanctions against Georgian Dream leaders and officials responsible for democratic backsliding. It also expressed concern about the latest wave of assaults on NGOs, through the demand by some state institutions, to provide detailed financial, legal, and operational activities over the past eighteen months. These demands risk paralysing the work of the targeted organisations and suspending their activities.

Text adopted by Parliament, single reading