Georgia: Journalists Face Heavy Fines After Protesting Unjust Ruling Against Jailed Reporter
February 10, 2025 - Georgia, Kutaisi
Kutaisi City Court fines 8 journalists— including Kutaisi Pos' Eka Kukhalashvili, —GEL 5,000 ($1,770) each for protesting outside a judge’s house. Journalists were protesting the court’s decision to reject the appeal of jailed journalist Mzia Amaglobeli. She faces criminal charges for allegedly slapping a police officer—charges Women Press Freedom believes are politically motivated.
Just before their case, Parliament amended the law to criminalize protests at judges' homes & impose harsher penalties, including up to 60 days in detention. The journalists' defense argued that these amendments violate their constitutional right to assembly. But the court refused to refer the case for constitutional review.
Women Press Freedom condemns Georgian authorities for their continued persecution of journalists. We demand the reversal of these fines and an end to judicial harassment of journalists.
Kutaisi City Court fines 8 journalists— including Kutaisi Pos' Eka Kukhalashvili, — for protesting outside a judge’s house.
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