The “Young Barristers” appeals to the Vice Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia Murman Dumbadze to submit the evidence, according to which particular statements of the organization were considered as orders of the government. The organization is surprised with the counterclaim presented to the court by the member of the parliament, which does not include any evidence, while Murman Dumbadze explains his past statement with the use of “The Freedom of Speech and Expression” law.
The legal dispute between the “Young Barristers” and Murman Dumbadze emerged, after Murman Dumbadze responded to the legal assessment of the “Young Barristers” and said in the television during interview, that “this “Young Barristers” are hired. They have no idea on the Constitution of Georgia, they have no idea what is freedom of expression, they have no idea what is freedom of speech and even more, does not know what is right and obligations of the Member of Parliament. If this government makes hired workers to do such statements, then it means that this government will turn to the government, which we dismiss.” As for the position submitted to the court, Murman Dumbadze claims that he has not made any reputation abusing statement towards the “Young Barristers”. The “Young Barristers” can protect a number of legitimate interests and create an intellectual property, which determines the authority and future of the organization. I, as an ordinary Georgian, as a politician, always evaluates every good and fresh idea positively. My every opinion, view, comment is a evaluative judgment, since I am a citizen of a democratic country, elected MP by the people and I am obliged to express my opinion and to assess this or that event "- said in the counterclaim of Murman Dumbadze.
The “Young Barristers” positively evaluates objective attitude towards the organization from the member of the parliament, Murman Dumbadze and notes that despite the existing legal dispute, the right points to the importance of public criticism by the Vice-Speaker of the Parliament is appreciated. In addition, the organization notes that the circumstance is appreciated, when Murman Dumbadze, high political official, defends his legal interests without the service of a lawyer in the dispute with non-governmental organization. The organization considers such step from the vice-speaker of parliament as a devotion to new democratic principles and hopes that Murman Dumbadze will attend the trial without the lawyer, by which he will confirm his attitude towards justice. Despite the requirements of the claimant, the parties do not exclude the possibility of completing the dispute with the settlement.
Khelvachauri district court will discuss the case. The organization requires compensation for damage caused by defamation by Murman Dumbadze, which includes denying the information according to the form prescribed by the court. For more information: the “Young Barristers” addressed a litter to the Vice-Speaker and requested to present corroborating evidences, however the Vice-Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia - Murman Dumbadze did not respond the letter. Murman Dumbadze on the organization’s complaint, only stated that,, similar organization is not known for him."
According to statement of co-founder and chief-executive of the “Young Barristers”, Archil Kaikatsishvili, the goal of the proceedings is to set a precedent for similar cases by the court and high-ranking officials feel a high responsibility towards the third sector.
The Court declared the case admissible and case will be discussed by the judge Amiran Dzabunidze.
