The interim report issued by the Democracy Research Institute (DRI) reviews the political and legal context of the raids organized by violent groups on July 5-6, 2021, and the results of the monitoring of trials of persons involved in the July 5 organized violence.

The monitoring covered 4 cases being heard by the Criminal Panel of Tbilisi City Court. As part of the monitoring, the monitors of the Democracy Research Institute attended 15 court hearings.

As of December 2021, according to the information provided by the Prosecutor General’s Office, investigation has been launched into 6 criminal cases related to the organized violence of July 5-6, 2021. Cases are being heard in the court against 31 people. 59 individuals and a legal entity have been identified as victims. However, the number of both participants and victims of violence far exceeds the data reflected in the criminal cases investigated by the Prosecutor General’s Office or the officials statistics.[1]

According to the monitoring report, the violent actions of July 5 were preceded by a statement made by Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili that it was inexpedient to hold the March of Dignity. It should be noted that the argument of the defence of the alleged perpetrators was based on this very statement made by Gharibashvili, saying that "the State had expressed its position and will" and, consequently, participation in the counter demonstration was justified.

The report also points out that as of December 2021, none of the organizers of pre-organized hate violence, committed by a group, has been arrested. According to DRI monitors, the names of Zurab Makharadze and Konstantine (Koka) Morgoshia were mentioned as organizers several times during the court hearings.

The monitoring of the hearings of 6 criminal cases relating to the July 5-6 violence organized by hate groups revealed: problems with publicity and attendance, use of hate speech by the defence during the trial, and existence of an intimidating and hostile environment during interviewing victims, experts and witnesses.

The trials continue and therefore, this document does not represent a final report. The Democracy Research Institute continues to monitor the consequences of the July 5 violence.

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The report is available only in Georgian. It has been prepared as a part of the project Prevention of Far-Right Extremism in Georgia. The project is financially supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Georgia. 

[1] Radio Liberty, July 20, 2021, "None of the organizers - Who was arrested by the police on July 5", available at: https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/31368919.html