Secret Judges’ Conference — and Outside, the Mothers Shout “Slaves”

Sometimes, the Georgian judiciary provides more material for political satire than any cabaret stage could ever hope to. At the 34th extraordinary conference meeting of the Judges’ Academy — held, of course, behind closed doors — the highest figures of Georgia’s judiciary gathered. And no, critical media naturally knew nothing about it. Transparency? Openness? Oh, please. We’re talking about an elite here that has no intention of being bothered by pesky journalists!

Meanwhile, outside the building, family members and supporters of those activists who had been personally sent to pre-trial detention by these honorable judges — exercising the very independence and objectivity for which the Georgian judiciary is so world-famous — stood in protest. From the crowd, chants of “Slaves!” echoed toward the judicial conference — and honestly, given the current state of the justice system, that’s almost a polite expression.

When Judges Prefer Running Over Talking

Things got particularly interesting when Shabatis Etheri (Saturday Broadcast) managed to catch a few of the judges for interviews. Members of the infamous “clan” of judges — yes, in Georgia there really is a judicial group officially known as the “clan,” as if we were in a mafia movie — preferred to silently slip away. Questions? Answers? Transparency? Oh, let’s stop entertaining these Western-liberal fantasies.

Not a single judge today had an answer to the simplest question: Why was the event closed to the media? Why was only the government-friendly channel Public Broadcaster allowed to ask questions and report? Ah, Georgia, the land of open secrets.

State TV Allowed In – Critical Media Left Outside

While critical journalists were kept outside, reporters from the state broadcaster were given exclusive access. And lo and behold: the first public statement about the conference — surprise, surprise! — came precisely from there. One almost feels like applauding: the PR machine is clearly working splendidly. Critical questions? Better not. Uncomfortable truths? Please stay outside.

Murusidze Unbothered – Sanctions? Pah!

A particular highlight came from Levan Murusidze, one of the most well-known judges under Ivanishvili’s regime, who reacted remarkably casually to the financial sanctions imposed against him and Mikheil Chinchaladze by the United Kingdom on April 2. His statement?“I truly don’t believe that anyone’s heart is bleeding because we are sanctioning Levan Murusidze — supposedly because he’s corrupt and the Georgian people are suffering under his corruption. No one believes that’s the reality. I don’t even react to this anymore, to be honest, I’m very calm and composed because I know the real reason isn’t corruption, but that they want control over the judiciary. Why? Because of their global politics. [...] Sanctions will have no effect. Even today, you see how many judges have gathered, and the more pressure is placed on the judicial system, the more steadfast the judiciary will become.”

An impressive level of self-satisfaction — one might almost think Murusidze is proud to be considered a symbol of international criticism. That this is about serious accusations and not merely “global politics” seems to have escaped him. Or, more likely, he simply doesn’t care.

Georgia’s Judiciary Between Arrogance and Isolation

What’s left after this little spectacle? A justice system that celebrates itself behind closed doors while desperate mothers outside chant “slaves.” A press turned away at the door because only friendly media outlets are invited in. And judges who twist international sanctions into confirmation of their heroic steadfastness.

Georgia — where cynicism and reality walk hand in hand.

But don’t worry, dear readers: at tiflis24.de, we’ll keep watching. After all, someone has to shine a light into the darkness when Georgia’s judges bolt all the windows shut.