So-called trial of Vazha Gaprindashvili likely to be held on December 13

21:12, 09.12.2019

The So-called trial of detained Georgian doctor, Vazha Gaprindashvili likely to be held on December 13, 2019, the head of Georgian Lawyers Association Davit Asatiani has told reporters today.

To predict the decision of the so-called South Ossetian Supreme Court is now absolutely unimaginable, as it is out of all international law and its all procedures are illegal, however, the lawyer is communicating with us.

As far as we know, a trial is scheduled this week. The session is expected to be held on Friday.

We are doing our best to release Vazha Gaprindashvili soon,’ David Asatiani stated.

Regarding Vazha Gaprindashvili`s case, Georgian PM’s Special Representative in Relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze said that all available leverage is actuated. He added that the Georgian authorities are doing their best to release Vazha Gaprindashvili as soon as possible.

‘I assure you that the Georgian authorities are doing their best. All available leverage is actuated.

Tomorrow and the day after tomorrow the meeting will be held in Geneva, and I hope we will get an answer when the issue is resolved,’ Zurab Abashidze said.

Earlier today Vazha Gaprindashvili`s family held a press conference and urged the government of Georgia to take more active steps for the “immediate release”.

Tamila Lapanashvili, the wife of Vazha Gaprindashvili addressed the participants of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) noting that GID should use all their leverage to release the doctor immediately and unconditionally.

Prior to the discussions on December 10-11, we urge the participants of The Geneva International Discussions (GID) to use all their leverage to release the doctor immediately and unconditionally, Lapanashvili stated.

Tamila Lapanashvili added that in support of Vazha Gaprndashvili the protest rally will be held in front of the UN office in Geneva on December 10, where the next round of negotiations is due to be held.

Tbilisi-based doctor Vazha Gaprindashvili, who was illegally detained by Russian occupation forces near the occupation line with Akhalgori Municipality, has been sent to a two-month pretrial detention.

The decision was made by the Occupation Regime on November 15. Vazha Gaprindashvili was reportedly charged with “illegally crossing the border” under article 322 of the criminal code of Russia.

Tbilisi activated the hotline mechanism of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM).