Homeless Family Cannot Find Justice

Elene Lezhava applied to 'Human Rights Information and Documentation Centre' in Gori. She was housed in the former Drug Addiction Centre in Kombinati District.  According to Ms. Elene, she and her bed-ridden mother were evicted from their house and have not been able to have their case heard since then.

Elene Lezhava said, "In 1976 my parents bought a two-room flat for my sister Zhuzhuna Kodeli and me…. As sisters, we were supposed to take care of our mother, Nadia Kodeli, in exchange for the flat.  In 1987, my sister was living in the flat with her husband Tariel Khinchikashvili.  He forced me and my mother out of the flat when my sister died of hunger and nervousness.  Now we have lodged in the Kombinati area.  Khinchikashvili has seized the entire property."

"We appealed to the court.  However, the trial was postponed 33 times. Four judges were dismissed, and I changed four attorneys.  I found the process to be the worst in the regional court. I left the building in tears. The Judge Marina Partsvania did not let me say saying.  My mother gave me power of attorney.  However, I could not use this power. My mother is a disabled woman, and she is bed-ridden. Why cannot a daughter act in her place? Is it a law? Is it justice? What kind of process is it?"

"I only stated that Khinchikashvili was lying, and the judge kicked me out of the courtroom. Was I a dog?  During the break the judge took the case materials and left the building.   Khinchikashvili opened his briefcase, took something out of it, and gave to his lawyer.  The lawyer ran after the judge. I immediately guessed something was wrong. I do not know what they settled in five minutes.  Entering the courtroom, the judge warned me not to say anything or she would kick me out again."

"Three witnesses are enough to satisfy our appeal, and I cannot understand why it has been prolonged.  The flat belongs to Nadia Kordeli, and Tariel Khinchikashvili does not let her in."

As Elene Lezhava stated, the flat was registered by Nadia Kordeli.  The deed is also drawn up in her name.

"Nadia Kordeli is an owner.  The deeds from the Public Registration Department, the Technical Registration Department, and from the Housing Department are drawn up in Nadia Kordeli's name.  Besides, twenty five neighbors witnessed our statement…"

Elene Lezhava argued, "The process is drawn out on purpose, since they are expecting that my ill mother will die soon.  She is the only one who is supposed to inherit the flat.

A lawyer for Khinchikashvili argued that his client should receive some of the flat.

Saba Tsitsikashvili, Gori