Eka Gigauri: The behavior of judges is tragic and disgraceful—This regime rests on them; detainees sent to prison without grounds in the morning, judges gather for feasts in the evening

The behavior of the judges is both tragic and disgraceful. We know that this regime relies on these individuals. Activists and detainees are unjustly sent to prison in the morning, only for the judges to gather for feasts in the evening. This speaks volumes about their moral character.

We believe there are honorable judges within the judiciary, and once again, we call on them to distance themselves from what is happening within the system. There are good judges in the judiciary, but what we saw yesterday was entirely unacceptable. These individuals should not represent Georgia’s judiciary today,” said Eka Gigauri, Executive Director of Transparency International - Georgia, regarding the January 12 incident near the "Babilo" restaurant, where judges held a corporate party amid public protests and police mobilization.

Eka Gigauri also discussed violations observed during court hearings on January 10-11 involving individuals detained at rallies near Tbilisi City Court.

She noted that prosecutors presented baseless arguments during hearings and failed to provide any evidence. Additionally, Gigauri emphasized that judges had predetermined stances on the cases, making their decisions predictable.

According to her, the hearing led by Judge Irakli Khuskivadze was marred by numerous violations, including restrictions on the right to defense.

"On January 10, Judge Ketevan Jachvadze presided over the cases of Andro Chichinadze, Jano Archania, Onise Tskhadadze, Revaz Kiknadze, and other detainees. On January 11, Judge Irakli Khuskivadze handled the cases of Vepkhia Kasradze, Zviad Tsetskhladze, and others. Both cases revealed specific violations, with the same prosecutors—Giorgi Mukbaniani and Vazha Todua—involved in each.

First of all, the prosecutors’ arguments were baseless. None of them presented evidence justifying pretrial detention as a preventive measure. Their claims were generic. Judges had already made up their minds on the cases, and it was evident what decisions they would make. The principle of public transparency was violated. Despite knowing that several individuals were on trial and that there was significant public interest, judges still scheduled hearings in small courtrooms. In one case, a change of venue was arranged, but on January 11, it was not possible to switch courtrooms.

Furthermore, during Judge Irakli Khuskivadze’s hearing, procedural violations included restricting the right to defense. The judge’s refusal to change the venue resulted in inadequate communication between lawyers and defendants due to overcrowding. One defendant felt unwell due to a lack of oxygen, and an ambulance had to be called. Following this, the defense team left the courtroom in protest. The public defender assigned to the case was not allowed proper communication with the detainees to understand their positions. These are all violations," Gigauri stated.

Eka Gigauri also addressed the arrest of Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of Netgazeti and Batumelebi, in Batumi. She noted that her case is under the scrutiny of NGOs, and information is being shared with international organizations that protect journalists’ rights.

"The repressive measures against Mzia Amaghlobeli are a particularly troubling case. Her rights were violated, first through administrative detention and then by initiating criminal proceedings against her. We have informed about 20 international organizations focused on protecting journalists’ rights about her case, and we will continue to monitor and report to the international community.

Regarding the Batumi incident, over 11 peaceful demonstrators were detained on January 11. These individuals are under legal protection by NGOs; however, at the time, they were not allowed proper communication with their lawyers.

We will continue monitoring these cases and sharing information with international organizations. Representatives of the Council of Europe are in the country to visit detainees in prison, and we will closely communicate with them about human rights violations in Georgia," Gigauri stated.

She further noted that on January 11, a person with disabilities was detained in Tbilisi, who was verbally and physically assaulted by law enforcement officers.