Web Portal on Human Rights in Georgia
JOURNALISTIC SURVEY
2007-10-22
Investigation Process In Zestaponi Is In A Deadlock(part II)
Ever since the Human Rights Centre expressed her concern over the death of Rostom Khidasheli on Zestaponi railway station the case finally gained momentum. Investigator Gela Tsitelashvili declares that he plans to finish the case at the end of October and our (Human Rights Centre) involvement does not have any impact on the investigation process.2007-10-12
Lawyer from Zugdidi Blames Victim Side for Suppression
Lawyers of Emzar Rogava, Jeiran Kharebava and Emzar Gvilia, who were accused for robbery, blame employees of the Police Department and Prosecutor’s Office for bias investigation. Londa Shamugia, lawyer for Rogava, cast doubt on investigator Davit Khazalia’s impartiality because he had not interrogated the witnesses of defense side for six month of preliminary investigation. Consequently the investigator could not find any valid proofs in the case except the testimonies of the victims. Bachuki Kurashvili, lawyer for Gvilia and Kharebava complained about the same situation. Kurashvili intends to mediate to the court not to find the expertise conclusion as a valid proof while discussing the case.2007-10-11
What Kind of Problems are People Suffering from a Mental llness Facing?
The right of access to information, the right to property and the right to free movement are still violated in the psychiatric hospitals of Georgia. Frequently, patients are being forced to work. Moreover, the living conditions in hospitals never comply with international standards. 2007-10-10
Ministry of Economic Developement Sells Private Property in Gori!
The Georgian Ministry of Economic Development and the Shida Kartli Regional Administration have quite different attitudes towards the Gori Agricultural Market. Lado Gegelashvili, the Regional Gubernator, stated that he would investigate the situation regarding the market and find out who is guilty and who is not. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economic Development has announced the sale of the market for the third time. However, a former owner of the market, Jemal Tsiklauri, claimed that the market is his property and former Gubernator, Mikheil Kareli, seized it from him. Consequently, the Administrative Board illegally registered it as state property.2007-10-10
Mentally Disabled Person Imprisoned For Three Years
On October 8th, the Gori District Court sentenced mentally disabled Achiko Surameli to a three-year prison term. His cousin, Zurab Janezashvili, who is also mentally disabled, has been sent to the Foti Psychiatric Hospital for forced treatment. 2007-10-10
Owners of the Houses Burnt Down by Warriors of “Mkhedrioni” Still Waiting for Compensation
Residents of the Darcheli, Akhalkakhati, Khurcha and Tsaishi villages in the Zugdidi District, damaged during the 1992-1993 hostilities, are demanding equal compensation for their losses. 113 victimized families are afraid that the state will not reimburse them for damages. Concern centers on the complex and confusing definition of who qualifies for funds as outlined in the state budget. The families have unsuccessfully applied for help to various bodies over the past fourteen years. The village of Darcheli recently announced that it intends to appeal the findings of the Samegrelo-Zemo-Svaneti Regional Prosecutor’s Office.2007-10-09
Price on Salt Increased from 40 Tetri up to One Lari-Peaople Are Afraid of Starvation
The price of flour and bread has noticeably increased, which representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture explain is a result of shortages of wheat on the world market. Prices have also increased on other essential products. Between August and September of 2007, the price of garlic increased by 25, 9 %, on egg-plant by 17, 6%; on corn flour by 7,3% and on buckwheat by 7, 3%. In late September, the price on the salt increased by 2, 5 %, pushing the price up from forty tetri to one lari.2007-10-09
Disorder in Boarding-School in Zemo Bodbe
Although doctor Lela Macharashvili has a degree in “internal medicine”, she illegally treated residents of the boarding school for orphans for a year. The nurse knew that she should not prescribe medication to children without doctor’s orders; but she did. The director of the orphanage knew about these violations but did not react to it.2007-10-09
MP Kardenakhishvili Might Be Detained
A Member of Parliament, Ioseb Kardenakhvishvili, might be detained. The former governor of the village of Chandari in the Gurjaani District, Gaioz Jafaridze, was detained for abusing his power and has named the MP to be a companion in his illegal activities. The Gorjaani District population blames Kardenakhishvili for having illegally sold a brick factory in the district. One local journalist investigating the activities of the MP has accused Kardenakhishvili of harassing him. The journalist claims Kardenakhishvili ordered known criminals to push him into a car. 2007-10-08
Akhaltsikhe Boarding School – A Look Inside
With a high concrete wall and a large iron gate the building reminds you of a house of a witch in fairy tales. The gate has pointy black edges. However, you will see the difference as soon as you enter the yard. Forty-two children live behind that fence with their individual dreams, happiness and different histories.
2007-10-08
„Speak Less… Pay More”
According to the decision of the JSC Georgian United Telecommunication Company subscribers in the Shida Kartli, Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Samtkhe-Javakheti and Guria-Samegrelo regions will only be billed for the minutes spent on the telephone after 1 October 2007.
2007-10-08
Psychiatric Illness is a Stigma within the Family
The Human Rights Center decided to interview Davit Zurabishvili, chairman of the Council of Directors of the M. Asatiani Scientific Research Clinic of Psychiatry. The Human Rights Center decided to do so after the organization received several complaints regarding the bad situation at the clinic. It was claimed that patients were not treated properly at the hospital. 2007-10-08
Mentally Disabled Person Was Left Homeless
An elite residential house under construction on Queen Tamar Street in Kutaisi might become a reason for controversy in the near future. The house is being constructed by “Spektri 7”, a subordinate company of “Center-Point”. The home of mentally disabled Davit Telia was destroyed in order to start a construction of the new building. As a result, a socially excluded, lonely person has been homeless for more than a month and is seeking help.2007-10-04
Brucellosis Is Reigning in Lagodekhi District
Brucellosis is reigning in nearly ten villages in Lagodekhi District. 26 people are ill with serious infections. However, specialists claim that there is no reason for panic and they exclude the possibility of epidemics. The population urges for help.2007-09-19
“Chamber VI”-Patients Are Beaten in Mental Hospitals
If you hear somewhere that a nurse took off a slipper and hit a patient, don’t think that it is a rumor. It is true story and similar facts happen in Georgia in XXI Century.
2007-09-15
Robbery in the Name of „Culture”
Gurjaani Municipality has prepared convenient scheme for appropriating the budget funds-sometimes they apportioned money for guests who arrived in the region on trainings and then the Municipality staff arranged parties for them in cafes. Sometimes they allocated money on various state programs and then that money also disappeared. Georgian President made loud statement-“We are fighting the corruption together. Every public official, who will dare to appropriate state funds, will share the fate of Telavi district governor.” However, nobody remembers that statement now.
2007-08-02
Great Money Squander-Where Is State Budget Spent in Gori District?
(Journalistic Research) Shida Kartli Prosecutor’s Office is carrying out an investigation on the money squandering from state budget in Gori district. Journalistic research, carried out by the Human Rights Center (HRIDC), confirmed that in 2004-2006 high-ranking officials have really squandered money from the state budget.
2007-07-12
Three Versions of Guram Sharadze’s Political Assassination (the end)
One more prominent figure, scientist, former MP, politician and Guram Sharadze’s friend, Elizbar Javelidze, conversed with Human Rights Center. He claims that Sharadze was shot not from one but two guns. He has several questions regarding the investigation and expects law enforcers to answer his questions. However, Javelidze, like other respondents does not believe the investigation will be unbiased. 2007-07-11
Three Versions of Guram Sharadze’s Political Assassination (Part II)
The family of Sharadzes has many questions regarding the investigation; however they do not apply to investigation because of mistrust. History of messages is very important in Sharadze’s case. The history started in summer of 2002. 10 000 subscribers of Magti GSM received similar messages: “Death to fascist Guram Sharadze, long life to Liberty Institute.” The incident caused serious concern and several articles and TV programs were dedicated to it. Consequently, criminal case was launched on the fact. The investigation found out certain Karosanidze, an employee of the Open Society-Georgia. The court discussed the case at trails; though nobody was punished for the incident. 2007-07-09
Three Versions of Political Assassination of Guram Sharadze (part I)
On July 20 it will be two months after famous politician, academician, writer and public man Guram Sharadze was assassinated. However, his family members were not interrogated yet. His lawyer is ignored and cannot interfere in the investigation process. The family does not cooperate with law enforcers and does not hope the investigation will be impartial. Relatives of Sharadzes are sure that the assassination of Guram Sharadze will be one more case in addition to those which are pretended to be investigated through. [1] 2
OTHER NEWS
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Incident Between Journalist and District Governor’s Secretary
Forest on the Other Side of the Fence and 200 Lari for the Population in Borderline Villages
Archive
Forest on the Other Side of the Fence and 200 Lari for the Population in Borderline Villages
Archive
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Hungry Commission Members and Commission Chairpersons Angry with Observers in Batumi
I have been observing elections since 2003. I have not missed any elections, though I had to miss it as a voter becauseDetailed...
Seal without Carve and Voter with Two Names in Guria
First Time as an Observer
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EDITORIAL
Autumn Fly
When reading last pardon acts issued by the President Mikheil Saakashvili, it is hard not to recall autumn fly, which bites bitterer thanDetailed...
Human Rights Center to Monitor Trials on Former Senior Governmental Officials
As a result of international oppression, State Audit Office and National Bureau of Enforcement postponed the repressions
