The Presidium of the Georgian Academy of Humanitarian Sciences and Arts expresses its deep concern over the sentencing of the academy’s president, Professor Giorgi Chakhunashvili, who was sentenced by a court to 5 years in prison.
It is emphasized that Giorgi Chakhunashvili is a well-known pediatrician, professor, academician, scientist, and public figure who has served Georgia for decades, contributing to the development of medicine, science, and education.
“His professional biography, public activity, and personal authority are well known to society. He has always been an example of dedication to the medical profession, civic responsibility, and humanism,” the appeal states.
In the case concerning the attempted storming on October 4, 2025, six other people were convicted alongside Chakhunashvili. Consequently, the authors of the statement demand a comprehensive and objective review of the case using all legal mechanisms provided by law.
The statement calls for an assessment of the trial’s compliance with international standards of fair justice. The Academy appeals to the Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia, as well as local and international human rights organizations, to examine the circumstances of the case, and urges the international medical, scientific, and academic community to join in monitoring the process.
It is stressed that the rights, dignity, and proper medical care of the convicts must be fully respected during their imprisonment, and all legal mechanisms must be utilized to restore their rights and ensure justice.
The authors will continue their peaceful activities in defense of the rights of Professor Gia Chakhunashvili and the other convicts.
As a reminder, on June 19, Tbilisi City Court Judge Giorgi Gelashvili sentenced seven defendants in the October 4 case to five years in prison: doctor Gia Chakhunashvili, Davit Zhgenti, Konstantine Kokaya, Zakro Albutashvili, Kakhaber Mzhavanadze, Davit Sturua, and Ia Darakhvelidze.
