A well-known Georgian journalist and activist is facing hard time after assaulting a police chief during an anti-government protest.
Mzia Amaghlobeli was charged on Wednesday with slapping a police chief and was sentenced to two years in prison.
Amagholobeli was arrested on January 12 along with 50 other demonstrators protesting against the Georgian Dream Party that has been accused of “eroding civil society and democratic rights,” The Hill reported.
Her lawyer said Amaghlobeli became emotional after peaceful demonstrations became chaotic, and she witnessed the arrests of those close to her.
Amaghlobeli, who founded two independent media outlets in Georgia, argued that she was a victim during her closing statement on Monday as her supporters gathered outside the courthouse.
Protesters in Batumi have gathered outside Batumelebi’s office, chanting: ‘Freedom for Mzia, thanks to Batumelebi, thanks to Netgazeti’
Today, Georgian media founder Mzia Amaghlobeli sentenced to two years in prison: https://t.co/njc9YglcFi pic.twitter.com/LTtif8wwrm
— OC Media (@OCMediaorg) August 6, 2025
“In a completely peaceful setting, the police suddenly appear, create chaos, and surround me with masked officers,” she said, according to The Hill. “As a result of strong pushes and blows from behind, I fall to the asphalt. Then they trample over me with their feet.”
Amaghlobeli claims she was spat on and attacked by the police chief who arrested her.
Journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli was sentenced to two years in prison.
She was reportedly arrested for hitting police officer Irakli Dgebuadze, who had insulted her, was swearing at her, and spat on her. Mzia Amaghlobeli’s slight response — a minor hit — was a reaction to this abuse.… pic.twitter.com/Nyi258zhlo
— DAASRULE (@Daasrule) August 6, 2025
The independent journo could have faced seven years in prison, but the judge found her guilty on the lighter charge of resistance against an officer, The Hill reported.
The lesser sentence seemingly did little to quell the rising support of Amaghlobeli and her reported fight against government overreach. Note: Old Glory spotted within the protest:
The crowd is huge today in Tbilisi, Georgia, after journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli got sentenced to 2 years in prison for slapping a rogue cop.
This is day 252 of daily, nationwide protests.
ადამიანები მსოფლიოს ქალაქებიდან pic.twitter.com/c9UQkVFVRU
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudanjakeli) August 6, 2025
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Author: Nicole Haas
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