Events

Wednesday, 05 November, 2025

The Strasbourg Court Finds Investigation and Trial in Zakaidze v. Georgia Fully Compliant with European Convention Standards

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has delivered its judgment in the case of Zakaidze v. Georgia, concluding that the Georgian authorities conducted an effective investigation into the violence against the applicant and that the subsequent trial fully complied with the standards of the European Convention on Human Rights.

According to the facts of the case, on 9 February 2021, the applicant was assaulted by fellow villagers, sustaining multiple injuries, including a fractured lower jaw and a concussion. All those involved were convicted by the national courts and sentenced to imprisonment, with the sentences suspended.

Relying on the European Convention, the applicant alleged that the investigation conducted by the authorities had been inadequate, resulting in disproportionately lenient sentences for the attackers. He also complained that he had not been afforded an effective opportunity to participate in the investigation and trial proceedings.

The Court, agreeing with the position of the Georgian Government and based on the evidence presented, found that the applicant’s allegations of an ineffective investigation were unsubstantiated.

The ECHR noted that the investigative authorities had promptly initiated proceedings and had carried out substantial investigative measures in a timely manner. The case, including the appeal and cassation stages, was completed in less than eighteen months. The Strasbourg Court therefore held that the prosecution and the judiciary had acted with due diligence in establishing the liability of the offenders.

It is noteworthy that the applicant was granted victim status, duly informed of his rights, and provided with an opportunity to present his version of events both during the investigation and later before the Tbilisi Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal also summoned him to an oral hearing, which was held in his presence.

With respect to the proportionality of the sentence, the ECHR found no discrepancy between the gravity of the offense and the penalty imposed.

In light of these findings, the Strasbourg Court concluded that the Georgian authorities had ensured an investigation and trial meeting European standards. Accordingly, it found no violation of the European Convention.

Tuesday, 21 October, 2025

Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) Publishes Fourth Evaluation Round Report

On 20 October 2025, the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) published its Fourth Evaluation Round Report. This evaluation round focused on identifying and protecting groups that are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking, within the framework of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.

According to the report, the Government of Georgia has made significant progress in recent years in strengthening its legislative, institutional, and policy mechanisms to combat human trafficking. GRETA particularly commended the consistent state policy implemented by the Inter-Agency Coordination Council for Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, chaired by the Ministry of Justice.

The report also highlighted several positive developments, including the simplification of procedures for compensating victims and injured persons, the expansion of powers of law enforcement and other responsible state bodies, and enhanced training programs for professionals working in the field.

As part of the Fourth Evaluation Round, a GRETA delegation conducted a visit to Georgia from 23 to 27 September 2024.

Georgia continues to attach great importance to the effective fight against human trafficking, which remains a key component of the country’s EU integration process. These efforts also contribute to creating a safe and secure environment domestically and across the region in the fight against transnational organized crime.

The progress reflected in GRETA’s Fourth Evaluation Round Report is the result of the effective work of the Inter-Agency Coordination Council for the Implementation of Measures against Trafficking in Human Beings. The Council, chaired by the Minister of Justice of Georgia, includes representatives of all relevant state agencies, the Public Defender’s Office, and partner organizations.

The findings of GRETA’s report echo the conclusions of the U.S. Department of State’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which has placed Georgia in the highest “Tier 1” category for ten consecutive years, recognizing the country’s sustained and comprehensive efforts to combat human trafficking.

Tuesday, 14 October, 2025

Russia Ordered to Pay Over 253 Million Euros in Compensation to Georgia in the Case of Continued Occupation

The European Court of Human Rights has ordered the Russian Federation to pay €253,018,000 in compensation to Georgia in the case Georgia v. Russia (IV) concerning the continued occupation of Georgian territories.

On October 14, 2025, the Court in Strasbourg delivered its judgment on just satisfaction. Having examined the complex legal arguments and extensive evidence submitted by the Government of Georgia, the Court ordered the Russian Federation to pay compensation to more than 29,000 affected Georgian citizens.

As is known to the public, on April 9, 2024, the Court held Russia fully responsible for the mass harassment, unlawful detention, physical attacks, killings, and the official tolerance of such actions against the Georgian population in the occupied territories and along the occupation line. These violations occurred in the context of the ongoing occupation of Georgian territories and the process of so-called “borderization.”

Today’s judgment represents a continuation of Georgia’s historic legal victories before the European Court of Human Rights. In the deportation case (Georgia v. Russia I), related to the mass expulsion of ethnic Georgians from the Russian Federation, the Court ordered Russia to pay €10 million in compensation for the large-scale deportations and the gross violations of human rights. In the August War case (Georgia v. Russia II), concerning the events of the 2008 war and its aftermath, the Court ordered Russia to pay €130 million for the widespread human rights violations committed against Georgian citizens.

Although the Russian Federation is no longer a member of the Council of Europe, it remains legally bound to implement the judgments of the Court and is subject to accruing fines for each day of non-compliance.

The enforcement of these judgments is being actively pursued within the framework of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, with the full engagement of the Government of Georgia.

The Ministry of Justice of Georgia expresses its appreciation to all state agencies involved in the preparation of evidence and congratulates the people of Georgia on this historic achievement.

Monday, 13 October, 2025

Calendar

December , 2025
All
  • Mon
  • Tue
  • Wed
  • Thu
  • Fri
  • Sat
  • Sun
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7
    8 9 10 11 12 13 14
    15 16 17 18 19 20 21
    22 23 24 25 26 27 28
    29 30 31