South Caucasian Human Rights Monitor
published by the Caucasian Institute for Peace, Development and Democracy
with the help of the Winston Foundation for PeaceEditor: Emil Adelkhanov-Steinberg
Part 3 - Human Rights in Georgia
July 2000Police brutality
According to the official post-mortem, Mamuka Rizhamadze’s death in the Kutaisi preventive detention wards was caused by suffocation and not by bodily injuries, which must mean that he committed suicide by hanging himself. Independent expert Maya Nikoleishvili keeps, however, claiming that a lethal blow to his head was the reason of his death, which means that he was hanged when already dead.
"Rezonansi" No. 174, July 1, p. 3, Gea news agency, "The official post-mortem shields the police"
Maya Nikoleishvili, the independent forensic expert, went on strike: she temporarily suspended her activities in protest against what she described as a false report of official forensic experts about the cause of Mamuka Rizhamadze’s death and in attempt to bring the problem of forensic expertise to the focus of public attention. "The state forensic office is an office for human rights violations and a branch of the police. I have kept saying this over the last three years, but in vein. Nobody listens to me: neither the minister, nor the procurator or the ombudsman," she says.
"Rezonansi" No. 179, July 5, p. 4, Aleko Tskitishvili, "Official forensic medicine brought the independent expert to extremes"
The Association of Civil Rights and Freedoms reminds that none of the law-enforcement officials have been so far prosecuted for torturing George Kitiashvili, who was arrested in Kutaisi on June 21, 1997, and sentenced to 17-year imprisonment for murder and robbery. As a result of the tortures, his legs are paralysed and he still vomits blood. He has been transferred from the Rustavi colony to the central prison hospital by now.
"Akhali Shvidi Dge" No. 28, July 14-20, p. 5, "Association of Civil Rights and Freedoms: invalidity for a regular victim of the police"
Elena Tevdoradze, the chair person of the parliamentary human rights committee, appealed to the Procurator’s Office and Ministry of Internal Affairs to thoroughly investigate the killing of Mirza Rizhamadze, the 22-year-old resident of the village of Akhalsopeli, Tqibuli district, who was killed by the precinct police officer Shalva Berikashvili. The latter claims self-defence as Rizhamadze, in his words, threatened him and his colleague, Tengiz Popkhadze, with a grenade. Several eyewitnesses have, however, testified that Rizhamadze had no grenades and the two drunken policemen hunted him without any reasons.
"Droni" No. 83, July 15, p. 6, Vika Kavzharadze, Gea news agency, "Killed by a policeman"
According to the latest report of the Amnesty International, the human rights situation in Georgia has not changed since the country became a member of the Council of Europe: tortures and police brutality continue.
"Droni" No. 86, July 22, p. 7, "Ordinary chronicle: tortures and beating"
Discharged for lack of evidence
On July 22 the Krtsanisi district court of Tbilisi ruled to release Lado Siradze, a procurator who is suspected of having killed a taxi driver, from preventive detention wards. He is to be kept under house arrest.
"Alia" No. 115, July 24, p. 5, Daredjan Sulashvili, "The procurator suspected of killing released"
The Tbilisi regional court discharged Lado Siradze (of the Office of Procurator-General) for lack of evidence. Siradze had been indicted for killing a taxi driver.
"Akhali Taoba" No. 206, July 29, p. 8, Daredjan Meparishvili, "The procurator suspected of killing released in the courtroom"
Reconciliation and pardoning (s. also Hunger strike in custody)
The reconciliation with "Zviadists" continues. The Office of Procurator-General announced that any of the 129 wanted "Zviadists" might be discharged if voluntarily surrendered to the law-enforcement authorities; 11 criminal cases (including those of two former ministers of Gamsakhurdia’s government, Murman Omanidze and Beso Gugushvili, and former deputy chairman of the Supreme Council Nemo Burchuladze) were closed without any conditions. However, 57 other Zviadists are still wanted in connection with especially serious crimes.
"Rezonansi" No. 177, July 4, p. 5, Rusiko Mumladze, "The Office of Procurator discharged Omanidze, Gugushvili and Nemo Burchuladze)
President Shevardnadze decreed to pardon everybody on the list submitted by the standing commission on pardoning: the 27 servicemen of the disciplinary battalion of the defence ministry and 61 prisoners.
"Svobodnaya Gruzia" No. 156, July 5, p. 1, "President pardoned convicts"
Besarion Gugushvili, the prime minister of Gamsakhurdia’s government who lives in emigration now, flatly disapproves of any possibility to reconcile with the present authorities. Such reconciliation, in his words, would mean "collaboration with the evil". "They have tortured and shot 300 Gamsakhurdia’s supporters," he says.
"Alia" No. 108, July 11-12, p. 5, "Zviadists reject reconciliation" (Interview with B. Gugushvili)
Hunger strike in custody
On 6 July "Zviadists" launched hunger strike in all prisons and colonies of Georgia, demanding unconditional and immediate release of all their comrades and all veterans of the Abkhaz war. The Red Cross supervises their action. Emigrants are on hunger strike in Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Poland and the USA. Former Mkhedrioni members are going to join the hunger strike on July 7.
"Alia" No. 105, July 6-7, p. 4, Gvantsa Kardava, "Mkhedrioni members to join the prisoners’ revolt"
Ten political prisoners – Loti Kobalia, Guram Absandze, Feniz Gulua, Oragvelidze, Shonia, Gvalia, Sordia, Chitanava, Arziani (the tenth was not identified) – went on hunger strike in the central prison hospital yesterday demanding to free all the political prisoners regardless of their sentences.
"Akhali Taoba" No. 185, July 8, p. 8, Daredjan Meparishvili, "Guram Absandze and Loti Kobalia on hunger strike"
Six detainees sewed up their mouths in Rustavi colony No 1. They are on hunger strike, demanding to free all political prisoners.
"Meridiani" No. 78, July 10-12, p. 3, Prime-News agency, "Six prisoners of Rustavi colony No 1 sewed up their mouths"
A group of prisoners of the Rustavi colony keeps on their hunger strike demanding to implement the parliamentary resolution of April 20 to discharge all those charged with crimes committed during the 1991-92 civil war. The other day those political prisoners who were recently pardoned by the president claimed that the hunger strikers faced physical abuse. Following their statement, Elena Tevdoradze, the chairperson of the parliamentary human rights committee, visited the Rustavi colony to meet the hunger strikers. She says the hunger strikers did not confirm that they were beaten. She also emphasises that the parliamentary resolution did not apply to those who committed heinous crimes.
"Dilis Gazeti" No. 168, July 26, p. 3, Rezo Shatakishvili, "Elena Tevdoradze met prisoners"
Prisoners Archil Pandjikidze, Otar Melikidze, Soso Nadiradze and David Tsotsoria (all are charged with preparing an act of terrorism against President Shevardnadze in May 1999) keep on their hunger strike. Another prisoner, Ghia Gorgodze, has joined their action, and they have raised a new demand: their case is to be investigated by the parliamentary national reconciliation commission.
"Dilis Gazeti" No. 172, July 31, p. 2, Gea news agency, "New demands of the hunger strikers"
Loti Kobalia
On July 10 the Krtsanisi district court of Tbilisi ruled that the former commander of Gamsakhurdia’s armed units Loti Kobalia’s imprisonment be changed from extraordinary to strict regime. The Supreme Court had sentenced him to death in 1996. In 1997 the sentence was changed for 20-year extraordinary regime imprisonment.
"Alia" No. 113, July 20-21, p. 2, Tamara Lomishvili, "Kobalia re-tried in custody"
According to Sevdia Ugrekhelidze, the lawyer of Loti Kobalia, former commander of Gamsakhurdia’s armed units, the authorities transferred Kobalia, who has been on hunger strike together with other "Zviadists" demanding to free political prisoners, to the Sagaredjo strict regime colony without notifying the lawyer. (On 10 July the court ruled to change Kobalia’s imprisonment regime from extraordinary to strict.) The colony, in his words, is famous for its hard imprisonment conditions. Kobalia fears that he may be assassinated by felons in that colony. His lawyer demands to transfer him to the Khoni colony for the military and low-enforcement officials.
"Akhali Taoba" No, 199, July 22, p. 7
A special medical commission including Maya Nikoleishvili, an independent forensic expert, visited the Ortatchala prison to examine the state of health of Loti Kobalia, the former commander of Gamsakhurdia’s armed units. The commission concluded that he might be treated as an outpatient, though his lawyer keeps insisting that he should be put in the central prison hospital. The lawyer still demands to place Kobalia in the Khoni colony (for former law-enforcement officials) rather than in the Sagaredjo colony (for felons).
"Droni" No. 89, July 29, p. 5, "What climate may benefit Loti Kobalia?"
The trial of Absandze et al.
At the July 31 hearing of Absandze et al. Absandze’s lawyer solicited the judges to release his defendant from preventive detention under non-leave pledge for reasons of health. The court resolved that Absandze should pass medical examination and suspended the trial until July 10.
"Akhali Taoba" No. 178, July 1, pp. 7-8, Daredjan Meparishvili, "New factors of the case of Absandze"
The Strasbourg HR Court had decided to deal with the case of Guram Absandze, the Co-ordination and Information Centre to Free Political Prisoners announced at its press conference on July 4. Guram Absandze, the finance minister in Gamsakhurdia’s government, was extradited from Russia and is now charged with organising an act of terrorism of 9 February 1999 against President Shevardnadze. At the last presidential elections the Central Election Commission refused to register him as a candidate for presidency.
"Rezonansi" No. 179, July 5, p. 1, Prime-News agency, "Strasbourg adopted the case of Guram Absandze"
On 10 July Judge Yury Tkeshelashili, referring to the results of the medical examination, rejected the solicitation of Absandze’s lawyer to release him from preventive detention for reasons of health. Absandze and his lawyer actively protested against such a decision.
"Akhali Taoba" No. 188, July 11, p. 7, Daredjan Meparishvili, "Do not start a civil war" (from Absandze’s speech in the courtroom).
At the July 11 hearing of the case of Guram Absandze et al. Absandze was expelled from the courtroom for having offended the court. The trial will continue in his absence.
"Akhali Taoba" No. 189, July 12, p. 7, Daredjan Meparishvili, "Guram Absandze’s trial to continue in his absence"
On 12 July the hearing of the case of Guram Absandze et al. was marked with violent protests of the defendants who demanded to dismiss Judge Yury Tkeshelashili after he had expelled Absandze from the courtroom at the previous hearing. The defendants were hitting their heads against the iron bars; Edzhibia tried to disembowel himself with his gold false teeth; both he and Chukhua cried they had shot at Shevardnadze "not as at a Georgian, but as a Russian citizen and traitor of the nation". As a result, the court expelled all the defendants (for having offended the court), including the deaf Zaur Gulua (for obscene language). It seems that the trial will continue without any defendants.
"Akhali Taoba" No. 190, July 13, p. 7, Daredjan Meparishvili, "An attempt at suicide in the presence of the judge"
The lawyers of Guram Absandze et al. (except one) refused to attend the trial in protest against expelling their defendants from the courtroom. The court considered such an action a breach of law and offence against the court and decided to make a complaint to the Board of the Bar Association.
"Rezonansi" No. 188, July 14, p. 3, "Absandze’s judge to remain alone in the courtroom"
The trial of Guram Absandze and other defendants charged with the last year’s act of terrorism against President Shevardnadze is delayed till August 1 for the absence of their lawyers. Only two of these attended the last hearing, which was suspended for that reason.
"Shvidi Dge" No. 78, July 21-27, p. 7, Prime-News agency, "The trial of the February 9 act of terrorism suspended till August 1"
Colonel Eliava is killed, his comrades are arrested
Col. Akaki Eliava, the commander of a paramilitary unit and the leader of the 1998 mutiny in western Georgia, and one of his comrades-in-arms were shot dead by the special police force in Zugdidi late at night on July 9, in a hostage release operation, the police says. (He and his comrades-in-arms had taken hostage several policemen, President Shevardnadze’s press secretary Kakha Imnadze says). As a result of the operation, Eliava’s three subordinates were arrested and several policemen were reportedly wounded. Some sources report Eliava’s armed supporters rally in Mingrelian villages.
"Meridiani 44" No. 78, July 10-12, pp. 1, 2, Prime-News agency, "Special task unit of the security ministry did away with Eliava"
Four members of the Zviadist parliamentary group "21st Century" – Vakhtang Botchorishvili (the chairman of the group), Elizbar Djavelidze, Djemal Gamakharia and Anzor Abralava – and Guram Sharadze MP ("Georgia Above All") suspended their participation in the parliamentary national reconciliation commission until the parliament officially denounced the extrajudiciary execution of Akaki Eliava, the commander of a paramilitary unit and the leader of the 1998 mutiny in western Georgia who was recently shot dead by the special police force in Zugdidi.
"Meridiani 44" No. 79, July 12-14, p. 2, Prime-News agency, "Five members of the national reconciliation commission suspended their membership"
Several members of the former Supreme Council (of the time of Gamsakhurdia) and recently amnestied political prisoners came to the ombudsman’s office yesterday to tell her that the authorities had killed Akaki Eliava to provoke a revolt in the Samegrelo region and blame it on "Zviadists" in order to deal with them. They asked Nana Devdariani, the ombudsman, to find out the whereabouts of Eliava’s three comrades-in-arms, who had accompanied him in the night of his death: Zurab Gvazava, Soso Sanaia and Ghia Zarkua, for they might provide some vital information about the circumstances of his death. They also criticised the sluggishness of the parliamentary national reconciliation commission: the reconciliation started as long ago as three months and lots of political prisoners are still in prison. They very nearly started a long-term action of sit-down protest right in the office, but the Ombudsman talked them off and promised to help them.
"Akhali Taoba" No. 189, July 12, p. 9, Zaza Bakashvili, "Zviadists starting sit-down protest"
On 12 July the Krtsanisi-Mtatsminda district court of Tbilisi specified the measure of restraint for Akaki Eliava’s three comrades-in-arms – Zurab Gvazava, Soso Sanaia and Ghia Zarkua: three months of preventive detention. They are charged with illegal carrying of weapons, membership in an illegal paramilitary unit, attempted murder and abducting people for extorting ransom. Nana Devdariani, the ombudsman, managed to persuade the interior minister to transfer them from the preventive detention wards of the Ministry of State Security to ward No. 5 of the Ministry of Justice.
"Dilis Gazeti" No. 157, July 13, p. 2, Kavkaz-Press agency, "The court resolved to keep Eliava’s three comrades-in-arms in three-month preventive detention"
The relatives of Akaki Eliava, the commander of a paramilitary unit and the leader of the 1998 mutiny in west Georgia who was shot dead by the special police force in Zugdidi, started an unusual action of protest: they pledged not to bury him until his three comrades-in-arms were released from preventive detention.
"Rezonansi" No. 188, July 14, p. 3, Nino Omanidze, "A unique action of protest"
Akaki Eliava’s accomplices, Soso Sanaia and Ghia Zarkua arrested in Zugdidi on July 9, will remain in custody unless their indictment is changed for less serious crimes, the Office of Procurator-General says. They are currently charged with membership of an illegal paramilitary unit, abduction of people aimed at ransom, attempted murder and resistance to the police. Besides, they were involved in the October 1999 mutiny in western Georgia, which is an aggravating circumstance, the statement goes. (As strange as it may seem, the third detainee, Zurab Gvazava, is not mentioned. – CIPDD) The statement of the Office followed the ultimatum of Akaki Eliava’s and Gocha Gvilava’s relatives, who said neither of them would not be buried until their comrades-in-arms were released.
"Dilis Gazeti" No. 161, July 18, p. 2, Gea news agency, "The Procurator is still against"
Maya Nikoleishvili, the independent forensic expert, found numerous injuries on Akaki Eliava’ body, besides bullet wounds. Further examination is needed to clarify whether they were made before or after his death.
"Dilis Gazeti" No. 162, July 19, p. 8, "Another alternative post-mortem of Maya Nikoleishvili"
Colonel Akaki Eliava has not been buried yet: his family won’t bury him in protest against the arrest of his comrades-in-arms, Gvazava, Sanaia and Zarkua. Several other inhabitants of Senaki (Eliava’s native town in Mingrelia) joined the action of protest yesterday. It is said to last until all the three are released. However, the Office of Procurator General maintains that they will remain in custody as long as the investigation is under way.
"Akhali Taoba" No. 199, July 22, p. 2, Annie Mirotadze, "Unrest in Senaki"
The rebel colonel Akaki Eliava was buried yesterday following a visit of a parliamentary delegation to his native town of Senaki. The MPs told the protesters that the government needed one week to solve the problem of Eliava’s arrested comrades-in-arms. For their part, the protesters threatened to sew up their mouths or even burn themselves unless the authorities released Eliava’s comrades. The colonel is buried, the action of protest continues.
"Rezonansi" No. 199, July 26, p. 2, Rusiko Mikava, "Grandpa, why do you hate Mingrelia so much?"
The (official) forensic bureau submitted its final conclusions about the causes of death of Akaki Eliava and Gocha Gvilava to the Office of Public Prosecutor. They are almost entirely in line with those of the independent expert Maya Nikoleishvili: both were shot dead from behind, and there are numerous injuries on their bodies the origins of which have yet to be unveiled by investigation.
"Akhali Taoba" No. 205, July 28, p. 8, Prime-News agency, "The Forensic Bureau submitted its final conclusions"
Freedom of press
At a governmental sitting some days ago Mr Bondo Djikia, the President’s authorised representative in the Samegrelo Region (Mingrelia), accused independent mass media, especially printed ones, of preparing people psychologically for anti-governmental actions, which, in his words, might soon burst out in Mingrelia.
"Kviris Palitra" No. 27, July 3-9, p. 2, "Is it also to blame on independent press?"
Basil Silagadze, a journalist of the "Ecodigest" newspaper, was forcibly taken to a suburb and beaten by unidentified persons on July 24. They warned him against writing critical articles about the interior ministry and made incisions on the fingers of his right hand, saying, "You will be unable to write for some time." On the next day the doctor diagnosed a concussion. A few days before the incident he had published a series of articles about corruption in the ministry.
"Meridiani 44" No. 85, July 26-28, p. 1, Prime-News agency, "A journalist of the "Ecodigest" newspaper was severely beaten for his articles about corruption in the interior ministry"
The NGOs "Liberty Institute" and "Former Political Prisoners for Human Rights" held a meeting with mass media representatives to condemn the recent beating of Basil Silagadze from the "Ecodigest" newspaper. The organisers proposed a special tactic to protect journalists: if a journalist is persecuted for his/her investigation, it should be completed by a large group of his/her colleagues.
"Droni" No. 88, July 27, p. 6, Manana Abashidze, "Another victim of the passion for journalistic investigations"
The International Press Centre of Georgia condemns the beating of Basil Silagadze, the reporter of the "Ecodigest" newspaper, and demands the authorities to prosecute all those responsible.
"Rezonansi" No. 200, July 27, p. 2, Prime-News agency, "The International Press Centre resents the violence against the journalist"
Nana Devdariani, the ombudsman, appealed to Kakha Targamadze, the interior minister, demanding to investigate the beating of Basil Silagadze, the reporter of the "Ecodigest" newspaper. She feels sure that the law-enforcement authorities took revenge on Silagadze for his articles about corruption in the interior ministry. Silagadze himself does not demand investigation, being certain that it would be biased.
"Rezonansi" No. 200, July 27, p. 5, "Nana Devdariani humbly warned Targamadze"
Christopher Smith, the chairman of the US State Department Helsinki Commission, received Akaki Gogichaishvili, the journalist of the independent "Rustavi-2" TV company, in Washington. The latter had faced the authorities’ pressure for a series of his televised programmes about corruption in the government. Mr. Smith called upon President Shevardnadze to investigate the case and punish all those responsible.
"Dilis Gazeti" No. 171, July 29, p. 7, "The chairman of Helsinki Commission called upon the Georgian president to protect journalists"
Freedom of religion
Dr. Merab Dogonadze has written a long article, demonising Jehovah Witnesses, for the semi-official newspaper: "… They walk in the streets, they take trolleybuses and go down to the Metro; what is even more horrible, they teach at schools and kindergartens (hardly any JW teaches at a school or kindergarten: teaching professions are – not formally but strictly – banned for them. – CIPDD) … They should not live among human beings," the author concludes.
"Respublika Gruzia" No. 155, July 4, Merab Dogonadze, "Captured by great illusion"
The case of Jehovah Witness Lia Djankanidze who died after an operation earlier this year (as a result of her refusal from blood transfusion, JWs’ opponents say) is in the spotlight again. The Russian forensic experts who took part in the post-mortem examination of her body on July 1 required some samples of tissue. The Georgian investigator refused.
"Dilis Gazeti" No. 151, July 6, p. 2, Gea news agency, "Moscow experts are refused"
After the Tbilisi regional court satisfied Guram Sharadze’s claim and outlawed two local organisations of Jehovah Witnesses, the latter are going to appeal to the Strasbourg Court. Strasbourg had better first abolish the French discriminatory legislation on religious minorities, including Jehovah Witnesses, and only then bully us, Sharadze MP commented on their decision.
"Akhali Taoba" No. 185, July 8, p. 4, Interview with Guram Sharadze
At his recent press conference Guram Sharadze MP called upon the authorities to declare German citizen Arno Tungler, the leader of the Georgian branch of the Jehovah Witnesses organisation "Pennsylvania Watch Castle of Bible and Scripts", persona non grata. He says that, according to Art. 29 of the law on foreign residents, after the Tbilisi regional court ruled to outlaw the organisations of Jehovah Witnesses in Georgia, Tungler has no right to live in Georgia. Sharadze refers to the National Assembly of France, which, in his words, banned all religious sects in the country. For their part, the Jehovah Witnesses are going to appeal to the Supreme Court.
"Droni" No. 88, July 27, p. 10, Tamara Katsitadze, "Guram Sharadze hopes for France"
Guram Sharadze MP appealed to the minister for state revenues and the head of the customs department to ban imports of Jehovah Witnesses’ literature to Georgia. He says 20 tons of these books are currently aboard a ship anchored in the seaport of Poti. The West provides Jehovah Witnesses with hundred thousands of dollars for their fight against Orthodox Christianity, he says. On the other hand, he says he is supported in his struggle by legislators of France, Greece, Armenia and Azerbaijan since those countries have already outlawed the sect.
"Dilis Gazeti" No. 171, July 29, p. 7, Sofiko Tsilosani, "Guram Sharadze accuses"
Echo of Chechnya
Sergey Yastrzhembsky, the Russian president’s councillor, labelled the Tbilisi-based NGO "Caucasian House" (which co-operates with Eckehard Maas, the leader of the Georgian-German Society, who has been declared persona non grata in Russia for his pro-Chechen sympathies) as a nest of Chechen terrorists. For his part, Mr Napetvaridze, the director of the public relations department of the Georgian foreign ministry, denied that there were any terrorist camps in Georgia.
"Dilis Gazeti" No. 165, July 22, p. 3, "Yastrzhembsky complaining of the Caucasian House"
The Department of Public Relations of the Foreign Ministry said Chechnya’s representation office in Georgia would have no official diplomatic status even if a representative were appointed by Akhmed Kadyrov’s pro-Russian administration. Chechnya is a part of Russia and its representation office should not have any formal diplomatic status in Georgia.
"Akhali Taoba" No. 205, July 28, p. 3, Prime-News agency, "Chechnya’s representation office in Georgia won’t get official diplomatic status"
Parents deprived of their parental rights
Mr and Mrs Abaishvili applied to the parliamentary human rights committee, claiming that the court of the town of Den Bosse, Holland (they had lived there for a while) had resolved, in their absence, to deprive them of their parental rights in 1997. As a result, their eleven-month son, Johnny Abaishvili, was adopted by a Dutch family.
"Akhali Taoba" No. 180, July 3, p. 3, Gea news agency, "An eleven-month son taken away from a Georgian family in Holland"
At the request of the Georgian consulate, the justice ministry of the Netherlands is going to probe into the case of Johnny Abaishvili, the Georgian boy of 5. His parents claim that he was illegally taken from them in Holland four years ago and adopted by a Dutch family.
"Rezonansi" No. 192, July 18, p. 5, "The justice ministry of the Netherlands to deal with the adoption case"
Social and economic rights
The police checked an attempt of 120 police pensioners of Tbilisi to hold a meeting outside the parliament. They demand their pensions they have not been paid for the last ten months.
"Dilis Gazeti" No. 159, July 15, p. 2, Kavkaz-Press agency, "The police broke up an action of their older colleagues"
According to the Ministry of Health Care and Social Security, more than a half of the Georgian population are below the poverty line: more than 2.5 mln people consume less than 3 GEL ($1.5) a day; every second of them consumes much less than 3 GEL.
"Droni" No. 83, July 15, p. 1, Gea news agency, "Half of the country’s population live on 3 GEL a day"
(If half of the country’s population had as much as 3 GEL a day, we would be happy. – CIPDD)
Varia
Six members of the Rustavi branches of the opposition Labour Party and Popular Party applied to the US and UK embassies in Tbilisi for temporary political asylum, claiming constant political persecution. Almost all of them are members of the city council of Rustavi, including Niko Menteshashvili (Labour Party), Vazha Doreuli and Zaza Djanikashvili (both Popular Party). In some days to come they will meet the American and British ambassadors.
"Rezonansi" No. 174, July 1, p. 2, Gea news agency, "The Labourites seeking political asylum"
In his interview with the newspaper Dimitri Omanidze, a student of Tbilisi State University, claims that on June 21 officers of the security service of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia (in exile) attempted to recruit him as a secret agent against the Refugees’ Co-ordination Council (which is in opposition to the current governmental policy). When he refused, they beat him. His fellow-students and the dean of the Law Faculty had to intercede for him and to notify the security minister of the Abkhazian Autonomous Republic about the incident.
"Alia" No. 102, July 1-2, p. 2, Thea Rusitashvili, "The recruitment turned into an incident"
The Adjarian Autonomous Republic adopted a new constitution without a public discussion. Nobody had seen its text outside the Supreme Council before the adoption.
"Rezonansi" No. 175, July 3, p. 2, Zurab Gaudzhadze, "The people had not been allowed to have even a glance at the new Constitution of Adjaria before it came into force"
The chairperson of the parliamentary human rights committee, Elena Tevdoradze, and her deputy, Kote Kemularia, consider the bill on the Bar reactionary. It was worked out by the parliamentary law committee and brought in the parliament by President Shevardnadze. Defining the Bar as a subject of civil law, the bill transforms it into something like a ministry, i.e. a controllable body, Kemularia says.
"Dilis Gazeti" No. 148, July 3, p. 10, "The bill on the Bar is reactionary"
The argument between Samepo Ubnis Teatri (Theatre of the Royal Quarter) and the Jewish community of Tbilisi continues. The latter keeps claiming that the building of the theatre had been a synagogue before the revolution. On February 25, 1999, the Mtatsminda district court resolved that the building should be returned to the Jewish community but the theatre objected and appealed to the Tbilisi regional court, which abolished the decision of the district court on July 3. The Jewish community is going to appeal to the Supreme Court.
CIPDD
The Tbilisi Office of Public Prosecutor will investigate the charges against George Rurua, the outstanding member of "Mkhedrioni" recently extradited from the USA. He is indicted for blackmail and abduction of a man. So far he has abstained from testimony, using his right to keep silent. His lawyer keeps demanding to release him on bail and claims that prosecution has no evidence against his defendant.
"Akhali Taoba" No. 181, July 4, p. 4, Annie Mirotadze, "The lawyer solicits to bail Rurua out"
Maya Nikoleishvili, the independent forensic expert, told representatives of the NGOs about the obstacles the law-enforcement authorities put in her way. She appealed to the NGOs to lobby a bill on independent forensic expertise.
"Alia" No. 113, July 20-21, p. 2, Gea news agency, "Independent expert stands up for her rights"
Leila Tsomaia, the leader of the Zviad Liberator’s Party, told journalists that the Office of Public Prosecutor closed the criminal case on her beating that had taken place this March on the reason that she was not seriously injured. For her part, she keeps claiming that the doctors registered a concussion and several bruises. She says she may produce a scar on her face to confirm her words.
"Droni" No. 88, July 27, p. 5, Gea news agency, "The assailants got away with the beating of Tsomaia"
In and about Abkhazia
A group of gunmen led by Temur Kharzia is operating in the Gali district of Abkhazia, terrorising local Georgian population. The locals fear even to complain.
"Rezonansi" No. 175, July 3, p. 3, "Abkhaz gunmen terrorising Gali"
On behalf of the Provisional Committee of Abkhazia, Georgian guerrilla commander Zurab Samushia warns that visitors of Abkhaz health resorts had better leave Abkhazia, as Ardzinba’s separatist regime would soon come to an end. In his words, by destroying the Internet site "Abkhazia", the Provisional Committee has defeated the Abkhaz in a virtual war (the Abkhaz has created a new one, "Apsny", though).
"Rezonansi" No. 180, July 7, p. 4, "Zurab Samushia promising that Ardzinba’s regime will soon find itself in a disaster zone"
George Arsenisvhili, the Georgian state minister, and Vladislav Tsugba, the Abkhaz premier, signed a protocol on stabilisation in the security zone at a sitting of the Co-ordination Council for the Georgian-Abkhaz settlement in Sukhumi on July 11. The document says police forces in the zone shall not exceed 600 people on each side. The same day Arsenisvhili held talks with Vladislav Ardzinba, the Abkhaz leader.
"Rezonansi" No. 186, July 12, p. 3, Eliso Chapidze, "Secret talks between Arsenisvhili and Ardzinba"
Tamaz Nadareishvili, the chairman of the Tbilisi-based Supreme Council of Abkhazian Autonomous Republic, resents the protocol on stabilisation signed in Sukhumi at a sitting of the Co-ordination Council for the Georgian-Abkhaz settlement on 11 July (the Sukhumi Protocol): it says nothing about repatriation of refugees or restoration of Georgia’s territorial integrity, and it requires both parties to abstain from propagandising force solutions of the Abkhazian problem.
"Dilis Gazeti" No. 157, July 13, p. 3, "Tamaz Nadareishvili: In response to the Sukhumi "protocol" I state that Abkhazia must be regained by force"
The parliamentary group "Abkhazia" and the Tbilisi-based Supreme Council of Abkhazian Autonomous Republic express their indignation against the Georgian-Abkhaz protocol on stabilisation recently signed in Sukhumi, especially the article which stipulates that those propagandising force solutions of the Abkhazian problem shall be sued.
"Shvidi Dge" No. 28, July 14-20, p. 2, Prime-News agency, "The parliamentary group "Abkhazia" and the Supreme Council of Abkhazia are indignant with the protocol signed in Sukhumi"
Stepan Volkovetsky, the ambassador of Ukraine to Georgia, visited Sukhumi for talks with the Abkhaz leadership last week. As a result, Vladislav Ardzinba, the Abkhaz leader, consented to hold an Abkhaz-Georgian "meeting of confidence" in the Crimea. Several documents are expected to be signed at the meeting, including a peace agreement and a protocol on repatriation of refugees and economic rehabilitation.
"Rezonansi" No. 192, May 18, p. 3, Gea news agency, "Ardzinba agreed on a meeting in the Crimea"
Abkhaz Alexander Gangia, 72, was arrested in the Zugdidi district. In response, Abkhaz authorities detained Diana Antia, a girl of 18, dweller of the village of Achigvara, Gali district. She was kept in custody until Georgian security service questioned and freed Gangia.
"Rezonansi" No. 195, July 21, p. 2, "Georgians and Abkhaz exchanged hostages"
The Abkhaz leadership is seeking security guarantees from Tbilisi in case the Russian military base is withdrawn from Gudauta.
"Dilis Gazeti" No. 165, July 22, p. 2, "Abkhazia demands to guarantee security"
The UN Security Council is going to examine a draft project of the political status of Abkhazia on August 31. The project, which is said to provide Abkhazia with every right that a subject of a federation might claim, will then be recommended to the Georgian and Abkhaz parties. However, Sergey Shamba, the Abkhaz foreign minister, told the Prime-News agency that the UN had better not waste time – the independence of Abkhazia is guaranteed by its constitution and cannot be call in question.
"Svobodnaya Gruzia" No. 170, July 26, p. 2, "Separatists rejected UN proposals on the status of Abkhazia"