European Court orders Russia to pay 130,000 Euros in case of Georgian citizen killed by Russian-controlled occupation forces – lawyer

The European Court in Strasbourg has ruled in favor of the family of Giga Ochtozoria, a 30-year-old Georgian citizen killed by Russian occupiers near the Khurcha-Nabakevi checkpoint on May 19, 2016, on the Tbilisi-controlled territory, lawyer said. 

“This victory is not only for the mother or the wife of Giga Ochtozoria but for the entire family, including the children. Today, the children have won this battle,” lawyer Giorgi Tabatadze stated, emphasizing the symbolic significance of the ruling.

Otkhozoria’s case marked Tabatadze’s first appearance in Strasbourg, and he reflected on the importance of holding Russia accountable for the actions of its forces.

“While the implementation of this decision by Russia may be uncertain, it is a crucial matter. The European Court has unequivocally held the Russian Federation responsible for each of their actions, even when it extends to our controlled territory,” Tabatadze explained.

The legal battle began when, on March 7, 2017, the Court of Appeal in Kutaisi found Rashi Kanji-Ogli guilty of premeditated murder and illegal purchase and possession of weapons in connection with Otkhozoria’s death. Despite the verdict, Kanji-Ogli has not yet faced punishment.