**TI-Georgia Report Concludes Protest Case is Politically Motivated**
A detailed report by TI-Georgia, a prominent watchdog organization in Georgia, has concluded that the criminal case against eight detained pro-EU protesters is politically motivated and lacks credible evidence. The study, based on 14 volumes of case materials provided by the defendants’ legal representatives, found no evidence to confirm the guilt of any of the defendants beyond a reasonable doubt.
The report focused on the cases of Vasil Kadzelashvili, Vepkhia Kasradze, Zviad Tsetskhladze, Irakli Miminoshvili, Giorgi Gorgadze, Nikoloz Javakhishvili, Tornike Goshadze, and Insaf Aliyev, who are being tried as a group. The defendants are charged under Article 225 of Georgia’s Criminal Code for organizing or participating in group violence.
**Lack of Evidence and Coherent Charges**
TI-Georgia found that the prosecution’s case does not demonstrate the elements of the alleged crime. The study argues that the charges against the protesters were based on inadmissible evidence, failed to establish the existence of an organized group, and did not provide a causal link between the defendants and any violence during the November-December 2024 protests.
The report also highlights concerns about the general nature of the indictments, which fail to establish individual roles of the accused. For example, the charge against Miminoshvili alleges that he threw stones during a protest but provides no evidence of whom he endangered, what harm was caused, or whether he was acting in coordination with others.
**Political Motives and Disinformation Campaign**
TI-Georgia believes that the charges appear intended to punish protest participants and intimidate student and youth movements across the country. The report claims that the case is part of a broader disinformation campaign involving the ruling party, state propaganda, law enforcement, and the judiciary.
The study argues that the investigation against the protesters was launched based on an unsubstantiated report by David Kurdovanidze, head of the Wanted Persons Division at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The report echoes narratives promoted by Georgian Dream officials “from political platforms for months ahead of elections” and includes a list of 48 individuals who claimed to be in contact with the organizers.
**Concerns Over Judicial Review and Evidence Collection**
TI-Georgia expressed concern over the legitimacy of personal and property searches, many of which were either court-authorized or justified under “urgent necessity.” The organization cited European Court of Human Rights findings that there is no effective and genuine judicial review regarding intrusions into constitutional rights in Georgia.
The report also questions the reliability of covert audio and video recordings, which TI-Georgia believes were obtained unlawfully. When materials are collected unlawfully, “its subsequent publication or submission to law enforcement does not suddenly make it lawful evidence.”
**Conclusion**
TI-Georgia concludes that there is no coherent, clear, and convincing evidence in the criminal case materials that would confirm the guilt of any of the defendants beyond a reasonable doubt. The organization urges the Georgian government to drop the charges against the protesters and conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged disinformation campaign.
For more detailed information, read the full report here: Read More @ civil.ge