Investigation of Video-Rolls Degrading the Patriarch Might Be Dropped

Irina Ardashelia

The situation is completely vague about the investigation launched in regard with the video-rolls which degrades the Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II. It is also obscure which article was used to start investigation; what was the status of the detainees who were interrogated and whether equipments are returned to the detainees who are already released and whether the investigation will continue or not.

According to the special statement spread by the MIA on November 1, the investigation on the video-rolls insulting the Patriarch started. Police arrested two people – student Giorgi Kvirikvia and pupil Levan Benashvili and withdrew proofs from their houses. They discovered evidence in the computer and digital photo-camera of Giorgi Kvirikvia. The detainee reported to the news agency “Pirveli” that the police have not returned the computer to him yet.

The prosecutor’s office spread different information and claims that the two persons were interrogated as suspected and were released immediately after being interrogated. The prosecutor’s office does not state whether they are still suspected and what they will do with the equipment withdrawn from the houses of the suspected.

Giorgi Kvirikvia told different story to the “Pirveli” about the fact. He said that during interrogation policemen told him they were interrogating him as a witness and not as a suspect. “According to the investigator Levan Sadunishvili, the investigation might be dropped. As for the equipment, he promises to return them every day but has not done it yet; he does not explain the reason of the delay to me,” said Giorgi.

In parallel to other obscurity, the prosecutor’s office does not inform journalists about the article under which the investigation was launched. Giorgi said neither his attorney got answer on this question. “Pirveli” got in touch with the investigator Levan Sadunishvili who said different investigator has taken up the case but he does not know who he is. “Different investigator took up the case and I do not know which article was used for this investigation. I was involved in this case for a short time.” Giorgi Kvirikvia claims he had talked with Sadunishvili on the previous day and he was still investigator of the case.

One more participant of the famous incident is member of the Liberty Institute Tea Tutberidze who was interrogated to estimate some details. She said the purpose of the investigation is vague for her. “Apparently, it is next PR campaign of the government. I cannot understand which article was used to launch investigation. If they restrict freedom of expression which is guaranteed by international conventions, I do not know what to say; but the investigation does not have different direction.”

Lawyer Gela Nikoleishvili shares the position of Tutberidze. He said there is no article in the Criminal Code of Georgia which can be used for similar investigation. “I was surprised to hear that investigation was launched under Criminal Code of Georgia. There is no corresponding article in the Code. Liability for insulting a person is envisaged in the Civil Code of Georgia. Thus, I cannot understand what they are investigating and which article they use for it,” said Nikolaishvili in his interview with the “Pirveli”.

Lawyer Tamar Tsereteli agrees with the abovementioned opinions – “Although insulting of the Patriarch is an unacceptable fact, there is no similar article in the Criminal Code of Georgia.”

Bearing the abovementioned facts in mind, it is completely vague what was the purpose of the investigation and whether it will continue or not; and whether somebody will be punished for it and what will be accusation.

Source: News Agency “Pirveli”