The News in Brief
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Prepared by Messenger Staff
US Embassy in Georgia Expresses Concern over Continued Detention of Nika Gvaramia
In response to the decision of the Supreme Court regarding Nika Gvaramia's case, the U.S. Embassy reiterated its profound concern over Gvaramia's continued detention. The Embassy once again emphasized its deep concern regarding this matter.
"The U.S. Embassy reiterates our deep concern about the continued imprisonment of Nika Gvaramia. The United States has raised questions and concerns regarding the case since its inception, including the timing and nature of the charges, as well as the sentence. Numerous international and Georgian human rights defenders have echoed these same concerns. A functioning democracy depends on protecting media freedom and prohibiting political prosecution. Even the perception of selective or politically motivated justice puts Georgia's European future at risk, and undermines the rule of law, constitutionally protected human rights, and democracy itself." the statement reads.
On June 19, the Supreme Court of Georgia made a decision to uphold the imprisonment of Nika Gvaramia, the general director of the "Mtavari" Channel. The court deemed the cassation appeals filed by Nika Gvaramia's lawyer, Kakhaber Damenia, and the prosecutor's office as inadmissible.
Vakhtang Gomelauri Meets Head of EU Representation in Georgia and Ambassadors of EU Member States Embassies
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Vakhtang Gomelauri, held a meeting with Pawel Herczynski, the head of the European Union Representation in Georgia, as well as ambassadors and representatives from the embassies of European Union member states.
According to information provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, ambassadors and representatives from Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Kingdom of Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Greece, France, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and the Kingdom of Sweden participated in the meeting.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the issue of holding the events planned within the framework of the Tbilisi Pride Week in a safe environment. Vakhtang Gomelauri provided European partners with detailed information about the activities of the representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the organizers of "Tbilisi Pride," and the joint working group of international partners.
It was noted during the meeting that the joint working group is actively engaged in ensuring the safety of the events by sharing information and coordinating efforts.
The Minister of Internal Affairs expressed gratitude to the head of the EU representation in Georgia, the ambassadors of the EU member states, and the embassy representatives for their active and close cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.
US Embassy in Georgia Expresses Concern over Continued Detention of Nika Gvaramia
"The U.S. Embassy reiterates our deep concern about the continued imprisonment of Nika Gvaramia. The United States has raised questions and concerns regarding the case since its inception, including the timing and nature of the charges, as well as the sentence. Numerous international and Georgian human rights defenders have echoed these same concerns. A functioning democracy depends on protecting media freedom and prohibiting political prosecution. Even the perception of selective or politically motivated justice puts Georgia's European future at risk, and undermines the rule of law, constitutionally protected human rights, and democracy itself." the statement reads.
On June 19, the Supreme Court of Georgia made a decision to uphold the imprisonment of Nika Gvaramia, the general director of the "Mtavari" Channel. The court deemed the cassation appeals filed by Nika Gvaramia's lawyer, Kakhaber Damenia, and the prosecutor's office as inadmissible.
Vakhtang Gomelauri Meets Head of EU Representation in Georgia and Ambassadors of EU Member States Embassies
According to information provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, ambassadors and representatives from Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Kingdom of Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Greece, France, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and the Kingdom of Sweden participated in the meeting.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the issue of holding the events planned within the framework of the Tbilisi Pride Week in a safe environment. Vakhtang Gomelauri provided European partners with detailed information about the activities of the representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the organizers of "Tbilisi Pride," and the joint working group of international partners.
It was noted during the meeting that the joint working group is actively engaged in ensuring the safety of the events by sharing information and coordinating efforts.
The Minister of Internal Affairs expressed gratitude to the head of the EU representation in Georgia, the ambassadors of the EU member states, and the embassy representatives for their active and close cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.