PARLIAMENT

OF ESTONIA

December 8, 2017

HE. Giorgi Margvelashvili

President of Georgia

I-I.E. Girogi Kvirikashvili

Prime Minister of Georgia

Members of Parliament of Georgia

Estonia has been an unwavering supporter of Georgias territorial integrity and Georgias EU

and NATO aspiration. We continue to encourage and welcome Georgias democratic reforms

and advocate for its EU and NATO membership.

One knows true friends for not only telling what one wants to hear but also what one needs to

hear. This is one of these moments.

On November 28, 2017 the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights

conclusively ruled that Georgia has violated the fundamental human rights of its former Prime

Minister Ivane Merabishvili.

Violating Articles IS and 5 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) Georgia

used Mr Merabishvilis arrest and detention unduly as a means to exert pressure on him chiefly

for an ulterior purpose not prescribed by the Convention. The ruling of the European Court

thus establishes that the authorities of Georgia have used the judiciary for political purposes

and to suppress its opponents.

PARLIAMENT Lossi plats Ia. T. +372 631 6331 Higikogu.ee

OF ESTONIA 15165, ThIlinu F. +372 631 6334
PARLIAMENT OF ESTONIA

This is not compatible with progress towards EU and NATO membership. Rule of law is one

of the foundations of the European way of life.

Therefore we amicably but with all seriousness call for immediate release of Mr. Ivane

Merabishvili as a sign of Georgias commitment to European vaLues that we all need to defend

and cherish.

Yours faithfully,

Eerik-Niiles Kross

Kalle Laanet

Andres Herkel

Jaak Madispn

Ivleinbers of the Parliament of Estonia