Independent Georgian Media Under Pressure: Batumelebi Faces Closure Amidst Legal Battles

Tbilisi, Georgia – Popular Georgian media outlet Batumelebi is facing a severe financial crisis and potential closure after the Revenue Service froze its accounts and seized property over alleged tax debts. This move comes amidst a broader crackdown on independent voices in Georgia, highlighted by the ongoing legal battles of Batumelebi's founder, Mzia Amaghlobeli, and other activists.

The crisis at Batumelebi, which includes the Ajara-based Batumelebi and Netgazeti, stems from a tax debt totaling 282,191 lari (approximately $105,000). This sum comprises a principal debt of 47,000 lari ($17,000), accrued interest of 126,000 lari ($46,000), and a fine of 109,000 lari ($40,000). The outlet acknowledged the debt and had been repaying it in installments. However, on July 1, the Revenue Service demanded full repayment within five days, threatening to empty accounts and seize assets, including office equipment.

Batumelebi formally requested a debt repayment schedule, a provision allowed under Georgia’s Tax Code, but this request was denied. On July 17, the outlet’s accounts were frozen. The editorial team stated, "The official reason for the asset freeze is tax debt. The real reason is to force us to stop working." They further accused authorities of aiming to bankrupt Mzia Amaghlobeli and destroy her media organization.

In stark contrast to Batumelebi's treatment, pro-government broadcasters reportedly owe significantly larger sums without facing similar enforcement actions. According to Revenue Service data from May 21, 2025, Imedi TV channel owes 17 million lari (about $6 million), and Rustavi 2 owes 25 million lari (about $9 million).

Amidst the financial pressure, readers and fellow journalists quickly launched a fundraising campaign to save Batumelebi. By July 22, the principal debt of 47,000 lari ($17,000) had been repaid thanks to public donations. The campaign is ongoing, with organizers reporting that the outlet still needs to cover the accrued interest and penalties. Donations can be made to the following accounts:

• GE93TB0850845062122335 — Zviad Koridze (TBC Bank)

• GE11BG0000000122153100 — Gela Mtivlishvili (Bank of Georgia)

Support is also being raised via GoFundMe. While Batumelebi's editor, Eter Turadze, expressed discomfort with fundraising given the broader context of political prisoners in Georgia, she also acknowledged her happiness at the public's support. Following the significant public outcry and the repayment of the principal debt, the Revenue Service softened its stance, agreeing to lift the freeze on accounts and allow the remaining debt to be repaid on a schedule, a reversal of their previous position.

The financial pressure on Batumelebi is seen by many as directly linked to the ongoing trial of its founder and director, Mzia Amaghlobeli. She has been held in pretrial detention for seven months after being arrested for allegedly slapping the head of Batumi police, who she claims insulted her. The final court hearing is scheduled for August 1, when she faces a potential sentence of four to seven years in prison.

On July 21, the same day the demand for full debt repayment became public, Amaghlobeli was offered a plea deal. The prosecutor, Tornike Gogeshvili, stated that Batumi police chief Irakli Dgebuadze, the alleged victim, had agreed to a potential deal. However, Amaghlobeli's defense attorney, Maia Tsariahsvili, confirmed that Mzia does not consider herself guilty and rejected the plea agreement. Tsariahsvili described the offer as "violence under the guise of the law," suggesting it was an attempt to force Amaghlobeli to confess to actions she denies in exchange for a more lenient sentence.

The cases of Batumelebi and Mzia Amaghlobeli are not isolated incidents. The Georgian government has recently introduced new administrative offenses, including "insulting officeholders," which carry fines or administrative detention. This law has been used to penalize multiple activists, politicians, and journalists.

In a recent example, activist Keta Daudishvili was sentenced to two days of administrative detention by Tbilisi City Court for allegedly insulting a court bailiff during a court hearing. The Interior Ministry had requested a fine, but the judge opted for imprisonment. Daudishvili's lawyer stated that the incident occurred as bailiffs forcibly removed activists from the courthouse.

International human rights organizations have condemned these actions. Amnesty International described the asset freeze on Batumelebi as an act of pressure, linking it to the outlet's reporting on alleged police violence against Mzia Amaghlobeli. The U.S. Helsinki Commission stated on July 22 that "The Georgian Dream is trying to cover up corruption and crimes against the Georgian people by suppressing the free press. They are trying to silence journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, who has been in custody since January on politically motivated charges."

The situation underscores growing concerns about press freedom and democratic values in Georgia, with independent media and activists facing increasing legal and financial challenges.