Trial commencement of activist Nino Datashvili in Tbilisi, attended by representatives of the European Union diplomats
In the heart of Tbilisi, Georgia, the trial of activist Nino Datashvili is currently underway at the Tbilisi City Court. Datashvili is charged with assaulting a public servant during a protest, a charge she denies[1][2].
The incident that led to her arrest occurred on June 9, 2022[2]. According to the Georgian Criminal Code, the offense she is charged with is punishable by a fine or a prison term of four to seven years[2].
The trial's latest session focused on the admissibility of evidence and a review of her pre-trial detention. Supporters in the courtroom applauded Datashvili during the hearing[1].
The prosecutor argued there is a risk of absconding, witness influence, and new crimes if she is released. However, her defense rejects these claims, citing no such threats[2]. The court's decision to uphold her detention has been met with criticism, particularly regarding the handling of the pre-trial detention measure[2].
The case has attracted significant public and legal rights attention. Local legal groups have demanded a fairer trial process and a change of judge and court, while human rights advocates view the charges and psychiatric tactics as instruments of political repression against government critics[1][4].
One of the most controversial aspects of the case is the forced psychiatric evaluation conducted inside Datashvili's prison cell. This evaluation, based on her 2019 medical records, was criticised by both Datashvili and her lawyers as punitive and politically motivated[3][4]. Despite the evaluation, she has not been diagnosed with any mental health issues[1].
As the trial continues, concerns about judicial fairness and potential political motivations in the prosecution persist[1][2][3][4]. The outcome of this high-profile case will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of activism and the rule of law in Georgia.
[1] Human Rights Watch, "Georgia: Activist Nino Datashvili's Forced Psychiatric Examination," June 30, 2022. https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/06/30/georgia-activist-nino-datashvilis-forced-psychiatric-examination
[2] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, "Georgia Court Upholds Activist Nino Datashvili's Pre-Trial Detention," June 28, 2022. https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-court-upholds-activist-nino-datashvilis-pretrial-detention/31776719.html
[3] Amnesty International, "Georgia: Activist Nino Datashvili Forced into Psychiatric Examination," June 23, 2022. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/06/georgia-activist-nino-datashvili-forced-into-psychiatric-examination/
[4] Civil Georgia, "Nino Datashvili's Forced Psychiatric Examination: What We Know So Far," June 24, 2022. https://civil.ge/archives/458448
The ongoing trial of Nino Datashvili at the Tbilisi City Court has sparked general-news interest, as it is viewed by human rights advocates as a potential instance of political repression against government critics. The case, which centers around Datashvili's alleged assault of a public servant during a protest, also contains elements of crime-and-justice, specifically the controversy surrounding her forced psychiatric evaluation.
