Clinic director urges imprisoned media manager to end hunger strike

Zurab Chkhaidze, the Clinical Director of Vivamedi Clinic, has urged the family of detained media manager Mzia Amaglobeli, to convince her to end her hunger strike. Chkhaidze warned that if Amaglobeli, the founder of Netgazeti and Batumelebi, does not stop the strike, her life could be at risk. He made these comments to Radio Free Europe, based on the results of recent medical tests.

“Her overall condition is consistent with the prolonged hunger strike she has been undergoing. I appeal to her colleagues, supporters, family, and lawyers to ensure that Mzia follows the doctors’ recommendations. The recommendation is to start eating, as this is the only way to prevent a lethal outcome,” Chkhaidze stated.

He also mentioned that Amaglobeli is aware of the potential risks but has refused to end her hunger strike.

Mzia Amaglobeli has been on a hunger strike for 37 days. On the 24th day of her protest, due to deteriorating health, she was transferred to Vivamedi Clinic.

Amaglobeli, facing 4 to 7 years in prison for slapping a police officer, is considered a political prisoner by her colleagues, human rights organizations, and opposition politicians.

She was initially detained on January 11 on administrative charges, later released, and then re-arrested on January 12 under criminal charges, a move deemed by legal experts as politically motivated. On January 14, Batumi City Court imposed pretrial detention on her.