Amnesty International has responded to the sentencing of pro-European protester Saba Jikia to 4.5 years in prison. In a statement issued by the international human rights organization, it is noted that the court failed to apply youth justice procedures in his case.
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The organization emphasizes that, under youth justice procedures, deprivation of liberty for defendants aged 18 to 21 should be permissible only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest possible period. However, despite the widespread application of these provisions in Georgia’s courts for individuals in this age group, they were not applied in Saba Jikia’s case, even though he was 18 years old at the time of his arrest.
“Saba Jikia’s trial was marred by fair trial concerns and a failure to apply youth justice procedures, usually available under Georgian law for defendants aged 18 to 21. The evidence against him includes video footage challenged by his defence and conclusions by the prosecution’s expert whom his defence was unable to cross-examine,” said Denis Krivosheev, Deputy Director of Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Office.
Amnesty International also stated that Saba Jikia, like other detained protesters, was placed in pre-trial detention without proper consideration of the grounds for his pretrial detention or alternative restraining measures.
“There is a wider pattern of protesters being dealt lengthy jail sentences following unfair trials.
At the same time, Georgian authorities have proved unwilling to investigate grave violations by police, with no law enforcement officials held to account for widespread ill-treatment of protesters during arrest and allegations of torture in custody.
This selective approach to justice is of deep concern. Georgian authorities must immediately end this impunity and injustice,” Denis Krivosheev stated.
On July 10, Tbilisi City Court Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili sentenced 19-year-old Saba Jikia to 4 years and 6 months in prison. He was arrested on December 5, 2024, during a protest on Rustaveli Avenue, accused of kicking a Special Tasks Department officer. The officer, Beka Gotiashvili– recognized as the victim – testified in court that he did not sustain any injury. Saba Jikia denied all charges.
