GYLA Alleges Judicial Manipulation in Protest-Related Cases
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, December 27, 2024
The Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA) has released a damning report on the manipulation of criminal charges and proceedings against protesters in Georgia. The report, based on the analysis of 50 criminal cases, reveals a pattern of repression against demonstrators who participated in protests against the controversial foreign agent law and other government policies in 2024.
Key Findings of the report includes: Deliberate delays in criminal proceedings, Excessive use of detention as a preventive measure, Misapplication of "organized group" charges, Instances of mistreatment and torture and Systemic failure to investigate police violence.
GYLA's report highlights a concerning trend of prolonged investigations and postponed court hearings, particularly in cases related to the foreign agents' law protests. The watchdog suggests that these delays may be politically motivated, aimed at preventing outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili from pardoning activists before her term expires in December 2024.
The report criticizes the widespread use of detention as a preventive measure, often without proper justification. Prosecutors routinely requested, and judges approved, detention even when less severe alternatives were appropriate. This practice disregarded individual circumstances such as age, health, and family responsibilities.
GYLA points out the problematic use of "organized group" charges in cases where evidence of coordinated action was lacking. The report questions the validity of charges under Criminal Code Article 225, citing insufficient proof of collective intent in many instances.
The report names several individuals, including opposition leader Aleko Elisashvili, who allegedly suffered mistreatment or torture while in detention. These cases raise serious concerns about human rights violations within the Georgian justice system.
GYLA condemns the 'systemic failure' of the Special Investigation Service to investigate cases of police violence against protesters and journalists, despite clear evidence. This inaction suggests potential complicity in the abuse of demonstrators.
