Seeking Justice Is Punished with Detention in Georgia

Seeking Justice Is Punished with Detention in Georgia

The hearing of famous case of Girgvliani’s murder was renewed on the 29th of June. Girgvliani’s relatives, family members, representatives of NGOs and political parties gathered in front of the Court, however only Girgvliani’s family members were allowed to attend the hearing. The rest, demanding justice, held a protest in front of the City Court. Five people were arrested because of this demand.

The members of ‘Egalitarian Institute’ – Irakli Kakabadze, Jaba Jishkariani, Lasha Chkhartishvili, Zurab Rtveliashvili and David Dalakishvili were detained for thirty days by the decision of the judge of Tbilisi Appeal Court Eka Tkeshelashvili. The reason of their arrest was a protest action they held in front of Court building.

“We demand fair and transparent trial!” – addressed the judge members of ‘Egalitarian Institute’, representatives of other different NGOs and Sandro Girgvliani’s relatives, who gathered in front of the Court building. Later they insisted on fair trial of co-founders of TV Company ‘202’ Shalva Ramishvili and David Kokhreidze. The Court building was full of policemen and officers of Special Forces.

Eka Tkeshelashvili, the former deputy of the Minister of Internal Affairs, accused them in violating public order, which foresees detention of thirty days. The decision was made by Tkeshelashvili herself, without court hearing.

While arresting, Kakabadze was beaten. His health condition was pretty poor and he was moved to the hospital by ambulance, surrounded by guard. He is diabetic, which caused worsening his health condition. After treatment he was moved back to preliminary detention centre. Tkeshelashvili was asked not to move Kakabadze to pre-detention cell, because of his health condition (he has special dietary requirements and needs medicines), however the judge did not satisfied this demand. Protest action in front of Tbilisi main Department of Police continued until late at night. Neither Kakabadze’s lawyer, nor the representatives of NGOs or political parties were allowed to meet with detained activists.

Gela Nikoleishvili, Kakabadze’s lawyer officially read an article from Criminal Code of Georgia, which declares that the lawyer has a right to meet with client without obstacles. However, the guards did not change their mind, until MP Giga Bokeria demanded it from them.

Anna Dolidze, the head of Georgian Lawyer’s Association calls Tkeshelashvili’s decision un-constitutional and illegal. “It is written in the Criminal Code that only person who violates public order inside the court building, should be detained for thirty days. However, Kakabadze organized the protest outside of the building, so the decision is illegal,” declares Dolidze.

The other members of ‘Egalitarian Institute’ were also moved to preliminary detention centre. Irakli Kakabadze wrote the letter from jail, accusing the Minister of Internal Affairs Vano Merabishvili to be organizer of the arrest. He calls society to hold on protests demanding fair trial and justice.

Eka Gulua