Association of Law Firms of Georgia condemns any act of violence, especially if violence is committed by the law enforcement authorities, and particularly when it is directed against the lawyer
Association of Law Firms of Georgia condemns any act of violence, especially if violence is committed by the law enforcement authorities, and particularly when it is directed against the lawyer.
The ALFG is responding to the information distributed by the media on November 8 lawyer, according which, Giorgi Mdinaradze, the lawyer of Legal Aid Service had suffered physical injuries from the police officials. According to the lawyer’s statement, after he informed the police that the defendant had chosen right to silence, the policemen physically assaulted him. The fact of physical abuse is confirmed by the Public Defender’s Office.[1]
Association of Law Firms of Georgia states that it’s unjustified to interfere in the professional work of the lawyers, nor even to try to make the physical and/or mental impact on them.
The ALFG reminds the state the role of the lawyer in the administration of justice. The Lawyer is considered to be an intermediary between the public and the court. They play a key role in ensuring public confidence in the actions of the courts, whose role is fundamental to protect the democracy and the rule of law.[2] Accordingly, we legitimately expect that the act of physical violence will be conducted in a transparent manner within reasonable timeframe, relevant persons will be charged with punishments and measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents.
The incident has once again confirmed the necessity of the proposed amendment to the Criminal Code of Georgia, initiated by the Association, according to which any unlawful intervention in the professional activities of lawyer while protecting the defendant’s rights, should be subject to the criminal charges.
Association of Law Firms of Georgia will actively monitor the investigation process of the act of physical violence against the lawyer George Mdinaradze.
[1] http://ombudsman.ge/ge/news/saqartvelos-saxalxo-damcvelis-gancxadeba-advokatis-mimart-ganxorcielebuli-dzaladobis-shesaxeb.page
[2] Francois V. France, 23.07.2015. paragraph 51
