Vice Prime Minister: Georgian judiciary independent of political processes

The judiciary in Georgia is independent of political processes and court decisions bear no political impact, Levan Davitashvili, the Georgian Economy Minister and Vice Prime Minister, said on Monday following claims by supporters of Nika Gvaramia, the former Rustavi 2 channel Director, of persecution following his sentencing by Tbilisi City Court for abuse of powers.

Members of the political opposition and some non-governmental organisations on Monday alleged political motives in the sentencing of the current Director of the opposition-minded Mtavari Arkhi channel, delivered earlier on Monday and related to his time at the helm of Rustavi 2.

Davitashvili stressed equality before the law of citizens of the country, adding the reputation and image of the judiciary in Georgia should be “as defined by European values”. The Government official emphasised the significance of the rule of law as part of the country’s ongoing European integration process.

The City Court on Monday sentenced Gvaramia to three years and six months in prison on the charges of causing a ₾6,763,509 ($2,239,572/€2,151,266) damage to Rustavi 2 between 2015-2019. 

The prosecution sought charges for misappropriation or embezzlement in the case, however in its sentencing, the Court adjusted the articles of the charges to abuse of powers. The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia has said it will appeal the decision to change the qualification.