**Georgia’s Justice System Under Fire**
Over 50 people have been arrested and charged since November. This is not a new phenomenon, though. Last year’s protests against the “Russian law” saw 19 arrests, and all of them were convicted. According to Nino Lomjaria, Executive Director of the Georgian European Orbit, these cases show a clear pattern of politically motivated justice.
**Illegally Handled Cases**
Lomjaria points out that the procedural actions in these cases were carried out illegally. Issues with search and seizure, as well as examination, are particularly problematic. One of the convicted individuals was even pardoned by President Salome Zurabishvili.
**Politically Motivated Justice**
The case of Giorgi Okmelashvili and others is a prime example of this politicization. The judge and prosecutor‘s office worked together to delay their cases, ultimately leading to a guilty verdict just before the end of Zurabishvili’s presidential term. This move was likely intended to avoid a pardon for the defendants.
**List of Judges and Prosecutors**
Lomjaria has been publishing lists of judges and prosecutors involved in politically motivated justice. Ani Khubejashvili, the criminal prosecutor, is one such example. Davit Mgeliashvili, Davit Kurtanidze, Teona Epitashvili, and Giorgi Gelashvili are also named.
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