Family of arrested opposition leader Khabeishvili demands immediate restoration of communication, visits with his minor children

Family members and friends of imprisoned opposition politician Levan Khabeishvili have submitted a formal statement to the Prosecutor’s Office, calling on the authorities to ensure that Khabeishvili is granted the right to communicate and meet with his minor children. The appeal was also addressed to the State Security Service and the Special Penitentiary Service.

According to the statement, Georgian legislation and international human rights standards clearly establish that imprisonment or pre-trial detention cannot serve as grounds to restrict an inmate’s communication or contact with family members, including minors.

“The Constitution of Georgia, the Criminal Procedure Code, the Code on the Rights of the Child, as well as the European Convention on Human Rights, guarantee the right to family life, the parent - child bond and visitation rights. Any restriction is permissible only on specific, individualized, and substantiated grounds - none of which exist in the case of Levan Khabeishvili,” the statement reads.

The signatories argued that the prohibition on Khabeishvili’s communication and meetings with his children was unjustified and raised questions about the motives behind the restriction, describing it as a political measure used as leverage against a political figure.

They demand that the authorities immediately restore Khabeishvili’s contact with his children, including telephone calls, video communication, and written correspondence.
Additionally, they requested that both short-term and long-term visitation appointments be scheduled and carried out in accordance with the best interests of the child.

“We reiterate that this issue pertains to the child’s best interests, the right to family life, and the minimum standards guaranteed by law. Therefore, we demand urgent action. Otherwise, we will appeal to local and international child rights protection organizations,” the statement concluded.