We are deeply concerned about the verdict handed down against the President of the Academy, Professor Giorgi Chakhunashvili, on the basis of which he was sentenced to 5 years in prison, the members of the Georgian Academy of Humanities and Arts stated at today’s briefing.

They express concern about the arrest of the President of the Academy, Giorgi Chakhunashvili, and demand a thorough and objective review of the October 4 case.

“Giorgi Chakhunashvili is a well-known pediatrician, professor, academician, scientist, public figure, who has served Georgia, Georgian medicine, science and education for decades. His professional biography, public activities and personal authority are widely known. He was an example of a doctor, profession, civic responsibility and humanism. Considering that in addition to Mr. Giorgi, six more people are arrested in the October 4 case, we demand that the October 4 case be thoroughly and objectively reviewed in accordance with the law and using all legal mechanisms. We also demand an assessment of the compliance of the trial with international standards of a fair trial. We also demand that the case be studied by the Public Defender of Georgia, local and international human rights organizations. We call on the international medical and academic community to be involved in monitoring this case. We demand that the health status, dignity and fundamental rights of the prisoners be fully respected during the execution of the sentence. The Georgian Academy of Humanities and Arts will continue its peaceful and democratic activities to protect the rights of Professor Giorgi Chakhunashvili and other prisoners,” reads the statement.

Doctor Giorgi Chakhunashvili was arrested in the courtroom in connection with the events that took place near the Atoneli Palace on October 4.

For information, the court found the accused doctor Giorgi Chakhunashvili and six other persons - Ia Darakhvelidze, Davit Zhgenti, Konstantine Kokaia, Kakhaber Mzhavanadze, Zakro Albutashvili and Davit Sturua - guilty in connection with the events that took place near the Atoneli Palace on October 4.

The aforementioned decision was made by Judge Giorgi Gelashvili.

According to his verdict, six of them were sentenced to 5 years in prison, and Ia Darakhvelidze to 3 years in prison.