International agencies welcome Constitutional Court verdict leading to release of ex-Tbilisi Mayor

The United States Embassy in Georgia and the European Union (EU) Delegation to Georgia are welcoming the Constitutional Court’s verdict that pushed the release of former Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava from pre-trial detention. 

Ugulava was set free yesterday after spending 14 months in pre-trial detention following the Court’s ruling that nine months was the maximum term an accused could spend in pre-trial detention. 

Since Ugulava had spent longer behind bars, Tbilisi City Court released the former official yesterday afternoon. 

In response to the action, the US Embassy to Georgia welcomed the Georgian judicial system’s adherence to the rule of law and constitutional principles. 

A strong, independent judiciary bolsters Georgia’s image as a rules-based, transparent democracy that upholds the rule of law and due process for all of its citizens. We reiterate the importance of ensuring all cases are handled in accordance to the highest international standards of due process and rule of law,” the Embassy statement said. 

On the same note deputy head of EU Delegation to Georgia Carlo Natale said the decision of the Constitutional Court was "crucial” and "historical”. 

The fact this decision was made means that the Georgian court follows proper principles. Earlier we had questions concerning this. So from my point of view, this decision is a big achievement,” Natale said. 

Despite being released Ugulava, one of leading figures of opposition political party United National Movement (UNM), still faced several charges related to  alleged cases of corruption, money laundering and illegal seizure of property. 

He was sentenced to pre-trial detention in July 2014. 

In April 2015 Ugulava’s lawyers addressed the Constitutional Court and appealed Ugulava’s continued imprisonment term that spanned longer than the acceptable nine months.