The European Union has issued a strong condemnation of the sentencing of Mzia Amaglobeli, a well-known Georgian journalist and founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, to two years in prison by the Batumi City Court. In a statement released by the EU Delegation to Georgia, the bloc expressed deep concern over what it described as the misuse of the justice system to suppress independent voices.

"The European Union strongly condemns the sentencing of Mzia Amaglobeli... and expresses grave concern over the instrumentalisation of the justice system as a tool of repression against independent voices," said the EU Spokesperson.

The EU called on Georgian authorities to "release Mzia Amaglobeli, as well as those unjustly detained."

The statement emphasized that media freedom and the right to free expression are fundamental to democratic societies. "Journalists must be able to carry out their vital work without fear of persecution or undue restraint," the EU declared, warning that targeting independent media threatens the foundations of democracy and contradicts Georgia’s international commitments and the pro-European aspirations of its people.

The EU further urged Georgian authorities to ensure fair trials and to uphold the rule of law, describing these principles as essential to democratic governance.

"The EU stands with the Georgian people and their European aspirations and remains steadfast in its commitment to support civil society and independent media," the statement concluded.