"Such a Severe Punishment is Inappropriate" - Bishop of Marneuli on Mzia Amaghlobeli's Case

Bishop Giorgi (Jamdeliani) of Marneuli and Khujabi has commented on the court proceedings of the criminal case filed against Mzia Amaghlobeli, head of Batumelebi and Netgazeti.

"I was watching and thinking, are we not all born of a mother? The cult of women has always enjoyed a special role and respect in our nation.

The victim stated in court that the law must be enforced, and by this law, he is condemning a woman to 4 to 7 years in prison for slapping him.

I understand that raising a hand against state institutions is completely unacceptable and should always be met with an appropriate response. However, I consider a punishment of such severity inappropriate, despite the fact that I, as a clergyman and also an ordinary citizen, do not share this lady's political views," the Bishop wrote. He then addressed Irakli Dgebuadze, the head of Batumi police, who is recognized as the victim in the case:

"My brother and son in Christ, were you not raised by a Georgian mother? Don’t you have a sister or a wife? Are the moral laws of forgiveness and pardon, which often transcend written laws, unfamiliar to you?"

Mzia Amaghlobeli was arrested on January 12 for slapping Irakli Dgebuadze, the head of Batumi police. She was criminally charged and accused of assaulting a police officer, which carries a penalty of 4 to 7 years in prison. Irakli Dgebuadze did not sustain any injuries from the slap, but he claims that "his cheek hurt." After the arrest, Irakli Dgebuadze spat in the face of Mzia Amaghlobeli, who was handcuffed in the Batumi police building. The detainee was denied drinking water and access to a restroom for several hours. Lawyers were not allowed to see her for over three hours. According to Mzia Amaghlobeli's testimony, Dgebuadze also tried to beat her, but his colleagues restrained him. The prosecutor's office has not investigated the alleged crimes committed against Mzia Amaghlobeli.

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