Georgian Supreme Court judge to appeal Lithuanian sanctions at European Court of Human Rights

Shalva Tadumadze, the Chairman of the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Georgia, who is included in a list of high-ranking Georgian officials sanctioned by Lithuania, has announced plans to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) against Lithuania.

In addition, Tadumadze has appealed to Georgia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maka Botchorishvili, urging her to invite the Lithuanian Ambassador for a meeting to obtain clarification on the grounds for his inclusion in the sanctions list.

Tadumadze’s appeal follows a statement from the Lithuanian Foreign Minister which cited the suppression of peaceful protests, repression of journalists, and opposition figures as the basis for the expanded sanctions, in cooperation with Estonia. Tadumadze, who is among those accused of gross violations of human rights, has requested an official explanation from Lithuania, questioning the evidence that led to his inclusion on the list.

In his letter to Minister Botchorishvili, Tadumadze highlights his judicial career, during which he had adjudicated approximately 5,000 criminal cases. He points out that only two of these cases were appealed to the ECHR, both of which ruled in his favor, affirming the legality and political impartiality of his decisions.