Kezerashvili v Georgia

In a unanimous judgment, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has today (5 December) found Georgia to be in breach of Article 6.1 (Fair Trial Rights) of the European Convention of Human Rights in respect of David Kezerashvili, a former member of the UNM Government in Georgia and the part owner of the opposition TV station, Formula TV.

The finding fatally undermines the legitimacy of Mr Kezerashvili's conviction in absentia in Georgia, which formed the basis of Mr Kezerashvili's Strasbourg challenge. Previously, an English extradition Court had found that the desire to prosecute former UNM politicians was a purpose behind the Government of Georgia's attempts to extradite him from the UK for the same matter and thus rejected the request on the basis it was politically motivated.