National court decisions fully align with ECHR Grand Chamber’s ruling, says Georgian Justice Minister

“The court has unequivocally and confirmedly established that the state has full legitimate authority to use special means when there is an attack on law enforcement officers and state bodies,” Georgia’s Justice Minister stated on Imedi TV.

According to the minister’s explanation, the court found that the demonstrators had escalated the situation, encouraged by calls from opposition leaders.

“In response, the Ministry of Internal Affairs was forced to use force, which the Grand Chamber, in certain cases and against certain applicants, considered disproportionate and imposed compensation on the state,” Salia noted.

Additionally, the Justice Minister highlighted that some of the individuals injured at the demonstration had sought compensation through Georgian courts, and their claims were duly satisfied.

“The decisions of courts at the national level are in complete alignment with the decision adopted today. This underscores that our justice system correctly assessed the circumstances that took place on June 20-21,” stated Paata Salia.

The Justice Minister particularly highlighted the Georgian government’s active cooperation with the European Court of Human Rights.

“The court indicates in its decision the cooperation on the part of the state. We had a conversation with the President of the Strasbourg Court, Mr Matthias Guiomar, who noted that the Georgian government always cooperates with the Strasbourg Court,” stated Paata Salia.

The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights issued a decision in the case “Tsaava and Others v. Georgia”, which concerns the dispersal by police of an anti-government demonstration in front of Parliament on the night of June 20-21, 2019. The Strasbourg Court found violations of both aspects of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (inhuman or degrading treatment/lack of effective investigation) in respect of 24 applicants. In relation to 14 applicants, the court found a violation of Article 10 of the Convention (freedom of expression). The court also established that Article 11 of the Convention (freedom of assembly) was violated in respect of 11 applicants.

For context, the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia has initiated criminal proceedings in two cases against Georgia’s former Minister of Internal Affairs and former Prime Minister, Giorgi Gakharia. One of these cases pertains specifically to the events of June 20–21, 2019. Gakharia has been remanded in custody in absentia as a preventive measure.