Several dozen opposition activists staged a rally in front of the Superior Court in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi. They are demanding an open court session for the trial of twelve opposition members who were arrested in September last year.
The protesters are portraying the Goddess of Justice, Themis.They are threatening to go on a hunger-strike simultaneously with activists from five other Georgian towns.In September last year, a criminal case was launched against the 12 supporters of former State Security minister Igor Georgadze for allegedly attempting a coup d’etat.Igor Giorgadze is the leader of the “Justice” opposition party and is well known for his sharp criticism of Georgian authorities. He has reportedly been hiding in Russia.Irina Sarishvili-Chanturia, the Head of Igor Giorgadze Fund says that each person in Georgia have the right ‘to have an open trial and to give the society an opportunity to see it with its own eyes.’ As authorities explain, the trial will be held at a closed session of the court for security reasons.Meanwhile, lawyers say prosecutors don’t have enough evidence against the 12 suspects.