Minister of Justice Criticizes Zelensky's Request for Georgian Ambassador's Departure from Ukraine
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky requested the Georgian ambassador to depart from Ukraine within 48 hours. The purpose of this request is to engage in consultations in Tbilisi regarding Mikheil Saakashvili's potential return to Ukraine. Zelensky expressed concern that the Georgian authorities are responsible for the harm being inflicted on Ukrainian citizen Mikheil Saakashvili, emphasizing the involvement of Russia in this matter.
Additionally, Zelensky urged international partners to intervene and resolve the situation, emphasizing that no European government has the right to execute, as life is a fundamental European value.
However, Rati Bregadze, the Minister of Justice, expressed strong disapproval of Zelensky's statement.
According to Bregadze, the statement made by President Volodymyr Zelensky was deemed 'completely unacceptable' due to the lack of supporting evidence. Bregadze expressed his disagreement, stating, "When it comes to the fact that someone is being tortured in Georgia, naturally, I will never agree with all of this." He further emphasized Georgia's role as a leader in protecting human rights, especially within penitentiary institutions, stating, "If human rights are protected anywhere in this region...Georgia is definitely the leader here."
Bregadze also questioned the definition of torture and its application in the given situation, stating, "It will be very interesting to see what our dear society thinks about what torture is. If a person needs treatment and is in one of the best clinics, we offer food, we constantly encourage him to get proper treatment and food from doctors. Is this torture? Or if it is torture, that we had about 2,300 visitors."
The Minister reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of Justice to upholding human rights, stating, "No matter who he is, regardless of his political position or the state he represents, as a nation, we maintain our dignity and firmly uphold human rights, including within our penitentiary institutions, at a very high level." Bregadze emphasized that such a statement would not be accepted by anyone. He expressed disappointment, highlighting Georgia's consistent support for the Ukrainian people during times of crisis, stating, "It is indeed disheartening, especially considering that Georgia consistently supports the Ukrainian people in all crisis situations."
Regarding the issue of torture, Bregadze remarked, "This is not torture; it is self-torture." He further suggested, "This individual inflicts torture upon himself, and if anyone tortures him, it is done by his political entourage."
