Protest held outside Batumi police headquarters

Journalists and civil activists gathered outside the main police headquarters in Batumi, demanding the suspension of Adjara’s police chief, Irakli Dgebuadze, from his duties.

The protesters argue that Dgebuadze has violated the rights of detainees, calling for his resignation based on legal grounds.

“As is known, we have appealed the decision of the Batumi City Court to the Kutaisi Court of Appeals. Whether the case will be accepted for review will be announced on Monday. Until then, journalists will gather here every day to demand Dgebuadze’s resignation, which we have every legal basis to request. This individual has mistreated detainees,” said Nana Kvachadze, editor of Batumelebi.

The protest follows the arrest of Batumelebi founder Mzia Amaglobeli, who has been charged under Article 353^1 of the Georgian Criminal Code, which pertains to assault on a police officer. The court has ordered pretrial detention as a preventive measure.