Georgian court sentences man to life imprisonment for sister’s murder

A Georgian appeals court has sentenced a 30-year-old man to life in prison for the murder of his sister in what authorities have described as an “honor-based” killing.

The Tbilisi Court of Appeals amended an earlier ruling by the Rustavi City Court, which had sentenced the man to 18 years in prison. The prosecution successfully appealed for a harsher sentence, arguing the crime demonstrated exceptional cruelty and was rooted in deep-seated gender-based discrimination.

According to the investigation, the man had severely restricted his sister’s autonomy, particularly regarding her personal life, and viewed her separation from her husband as a dishonour to the family.

On 16 May 2024, in the town of Gardabani, the man deliberately struck his sister with a vehicle before stabbing her multiple times with a knife. The woman died at the scene from her injuries. The suspect fled but was apprehended by police later the same day. The murder weapon was recovered nearby.

The court found him guilty of premeditated murder committed with particular cruelty. The charges also included provisions for the murder of a family member and a person in a helpless state, motivated by gender - under Article 109 of Georgia’s criminal code.