Akhalaia States Office of Prosecutor Is Dragging Out the Trial

Salome Chkheidze

Prosecutor Ia Darjania motioned for self-recusal at the trial involving prison riot case. She stated that she felt “psychological pressure” and therefore cannot be unbiased. Judge Lasha Chkhikvadze satisfied the motion, but stated that these actions are intended for dragging out the trial.

It has been the third time that the prosecutor has been changed in this case. Due to health problems of prosecutor Revaz Nadoi, the case was referred to another prosecutor Ia Darjania on September 8th. On October 7th, Darjania motioned for self-recusal and the case was transferred to Prosecutor Adeishvili.

“As you know, I am also from Abkhazia like wife of Akhalaia Ani Nadareishvili. Thus, we have common friends and acquaintances from who I have been under psychological pressure throughout this period. Some scolded me, some commended me. Some asked me to make right decision. This pressure has strongly affected me psychologically and I find it hard to be objective. Besides, there is a photo of me and Romeo Sajaia, lawyer of Akhalaia in a social network which caused suspicions regarding my objectivity. To avoid these suspicions, I would like to motion for self-recusal. Prosecutor Levan Adeishvili will replace me in the case,” – Prosecutor Ia Darjania stated at the trial held in Tbilisi City Court.

Bacho Akhalaia did not agree with this motion. According to his statement, 3 prosecutors have been replaced in this trial which is intended to drag out the trial so it does not finish before elections.

“When Darjania replaced Revaz Nadoi, she was given 20 days to study the case. However, she asked for more time. At today’s trial, she asked for self-recusal. New prosecutor will also ask for time to study the case and the trial will be postponed again,” – Akhalaia noted.

According to lawyer Goga Oniani, prosecutor knew where Akhalaia’s wife was from when she joined the case and she could refuse to be involved in the case in the begining. He stated that the prosecutor could not name any new circumstance which could be grounds for self-recusal.

“This motion is not grounded enough. The photo which Mrs. Darjania is talking about does not show only us, there are many people in the photo. We are not friends. By her logic, as I know the whole office of prosecutor, nobody would be able to join the trial,” – Romeo Sajaia noted.

Judge Lasha Chkhikvadze satisfied motion of self-recusal. According to him, when the Prosecutor states that she is not objective and unbiased, he has to satisfy the motion. However, he stated that intention of irresponsible action of prosecution is to drag out the trial.

New prosecutor, Levan Adeishvili asked for 15 more days to study the case. This request caused protest of defense side.

“I understand that you just joined the case and that it is big case but I hope your health state and intellect will enable you to not to postpone the trial again. If you do not present the final word at the next trial and will give another reason for postponing the trial, I warn you that I will give you only 1 hour and after that you will have to say the word. Otherwise, you will have to decline prosecution” – Judge stated to prosecutor Adeishvili.

In order to study case and prepare final word, judge gave the prosecutor ten days. Next trial will be held on October 17th, at 12pm.