The Vice-speaker of the Parliament, Murman Dumbadze, has to provide compensation for the defamation and publically deny his statement, defaming reputation of the organization, according to which the MP appraised the organization as “hired by the Government”.
According to the Chief-executive of the “Young Barristers”, Archil Kaikatsishvili, Khelvachauri District Court decision of December 8, 2014, has entered into force. The Court stated, that information about the organization “Young Barristers”, disseminated by Murman Dumbadze on September 19, 2014 during his visit to Adjara TV News program “Dro”, at 20:30 and published in the newspaper “Adjara”, in 23-24 September, 2014 edition, is defamation. In particular, Murman Dumbadze has stated, that “these “Young Barristers” are hired by the Government, having no idea what the Constitution, or the freedom of expression , or the freedom of speech is and even more, they have absolutely no idea, what are the duties and responsibilities of the Member of the Parliament. If this government allows such hired organizations make such statements, than this Government will also turn into the former Government, we have dismissed.” The dispute started after, the organization had evaluated Murman Dumbadze’s statements about the activities in the Supreme Council of Adjara as an interference in work of the legislative body. Now, in accordance with the court decision, Murman Dumbadze has to publically deny all above mentioned statements, as defamation.
According to Archil Kaikatsishvili, Court didn’t discuss appeals by Murman Dumbadze. He considers, that the court aimed to create a precedent for similar cases, so that high ranking officials paid more attention to their statements in relation with the 3rd sector. According to him, high ranking politicians, irritated by criticism and position stated by the organization, often disseminate defaming information about the organization, accordingly, the organization is going to continue to faithfully defend the principles and name of the organization, and hopes that the results achieved through the court, will be considered by high ranking officials and reminds them of the obligations of being tolerant to the criticism and show appropriate culture.
The “Young Barristers”, in accordance with the court decision, appealed to Murman Dumbadze on May 13, 2015, to precise, if he was going to ensure enforcement of the decision. It is noted in the court decision, that “if Murman Dumbadze fails to comply with the mentioned activities within terms, determined by the decision, the “Young Barristers” is entitled to carry out enforcement with relevant compensation of expenses, caused by implementation of the necessary activities.” The “Young Barristers” states, that Murman Dumbadze had 1 month to enforce court decision, but he didn’t.
The “Young Barristers” notes, that the Vice-speaker of the Parliament , Murman Dumbadze, doesn’t respect the court decision, that should be regarded as an abusive behavior towards the judiciary, due to his official status. The organization appeals to the National Bureau of Enforcement for enforcing court decision and demands to sequestrate Dumbadze’s wage bank account, since there is a significant threat that the Vice-speaker will refuse to compensate to the organization the damage, caused by defamation and the cost of publishing court decision through media.
