Number of Political Prisoners Increases

Number of Political Prisoners Increases

Three activists of the Political Organization “Round Table,” (one minor being among them) were imprisoned for violation of public order and insulting the Minister of Economy Kakha Bendukidze. “According to a statement by the “Round Table”, Irakli Shonia, Tamaz Tsiklauri and Lasha katsanashvili are political prisoners and the court pronounced the sentence on 1st of November as a result of pressure from the government. Amiran Burduli, lawyer of the activists, declared that the verdict is unjust and that he is going to appeal to a higher instance.

In July, 2004 Irakli Shonia, Tamaz Tsiklauri and minor Lasha Katsanashvili, activists of the political organization “Round Table,” were imprisoned during an action in front of the Ministry of Economy for violation of public order and insulting the Minister of Economy Kahka Bendukidze. Tbilisi Mtatsminda-krtsanisi District Court sentenced Irakli Shonia to one year of imprisonment, and Tamaz Tsiklauri to one year and 6 months. As for the minor Lasha Katsanashvili the judge Zaur Mebonia suspended a sentence of two years.
“I do no have a hope that we can achieve anything through appealing the decision in a country like Georgia in which judges are under the pressure of the government” – stated Amiran Burduli, lawyer of the activists of “Round Table”. According to him the verdict is unjust and he will, by all means, appeal to a higher instance.
Unsatisfied with the decision of the judge the members of “Round Table” held a protest action in front of Tbilisi Mtatsminda-Krtsanisi District Court where they protested the imprisonment of Irakli Shonia and Tamaz Tsiklauri. According to the organizers of the action protests will be held on a permanent basis in front of the Prosecutor’s Office.
Manana Archvadze-Gamsakhurdia, leader of “Round Table” declared that the current government is using the same methods as during Soviet times. “I can remember the repressions of the 1970s. Back then innocent people were punished for loving their homeland” – stated the wife of the first president.

                                                                                                            Source: Media News