Ex-President Zourabichvili on release of protester Katsia: ‘one brick laid toward justice, 11 of injustice remain’

Georgia’s fifth President, Salome Zourabichvili, on Wednesday welcomed the court’s decision to acquit protester Nika Katsia, calling it “one brick laid toward justice,” but warned that the judiciary remains under political control.

“I want to congratulate society on this one step toward justice. It is a joy we all needed. But we must not forget that if one brick of justice has been laid, eleven bricks of injustice remain”, Zourabichvili said, stressing that many others arrested during protests remain innocent.

She said the court’s actions reveal a manipulated system. “This does not mean others are guilty. Everything points to the fact that no one is guilty. These tricks are well-known from Russian practices. The fight remains — the judiciary must truly become independent”.

Zourabichvili also criticised what she described as “judges with glassy eyes,” arguing this reflected external influence over the judiciary. “The time will come when Georgia will have a fair and independent court,” she said.

Nika Katsia, detained during recent anti-government demonstrations, was acquitted and released from the courtroom earlier in the day.