Nika Gvaramia expelled from Constitutional Court hearing

Constitutional Court Chairman Revaz Nadaraia expelled Nika Gvaramia, a leader of the Coalition for Change, from the courtroom.

Tensions in the courtroom escalated after Archil Gorduladze, a representative of the plaintiff, stated that it was common knowledge that Murtaz Zodelava was connected to the United National Movement.

“Is it unknown to anyone that Murtaz Zodelava is a person associated with the United National Movement, or that Paata Burchuladze is...?” Gorduladze said.

His remarks prompted strong objections from representatives of the Coalition for Change, including Nika Gvaramia. Gvaramia told the plaintiff's side that it was acting improperly.

“He has never been a party member, and if being university classmates is grounds for conviction, then half of Georgia should go to prison. You are all classmates of those who have ruined Georgia. What they are doing now is unacceptable. First of all, it is wrong to establish a party affiliation based on a personal relationship. And yes, I confirm that we are talking about my friend, my university classmate, and so on. But it is unacceptable to attach some kind of party affiliation to him on that basis, whether for us or for the United National Movement. Just because I confirm that he is my friend, does that mean we are all coup plotters together? Aren’t you ashamed?” Gvaramia said.

The hearing continued amid a verbal confrontation between Gvaramia and Gorduladze.

“If we are going to start talking about who ruined what, then all those who ruined this country are here, and you are the respondents,” Gorduladze said.

Ultimately, Judge Nadaraia decided to expel Gvaramia from the courtroom.

“I have no choice! Under Article 32 of the Organic Law on the Constitutional Court of Georgia, you are hereby expelled, Mr Gvaramia. You have been expelled. Read Article 32 to understand what expulsion means. Mr Gvaramia, leave the courtroom!” Nadaraia said.

The decision prompted strong protests from other party representatives, including Tengo Tevzadze and Maia Kopaleishvili.

“A response to a personal insult cannot be grounds for expulsion. It cannot be,” Tevzadze said.