PROSECUTOR GENERAL ON MAIA TOPURIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L TBILISI 002151 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/CARC AND DRL E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/29/2017 TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL GG SUBJECT: PROSECUTOR GENERAL ON MAIA TOPURIA REF: TBILISI 2139 Classified By: Ambassador John F. Tefft, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) On August 29, Ambassador used a previously scheduled meeting with Prosecutor General Adeishvili to raise concerns about the Maia Topuria case (reftel) and noted the high level of interest in the case, including by members of Congress. Ambassador said there were allegations from Topuria's lawyers of due process violations during the trial. Ambassador said that GoG may have the right under Georgian law to close the courtroom, but added that such measures could invite suspicion. He requested a copy of the judgment, which will explain the reasoning behind the sentencing, when it becomes available. Adeishvili told the Ambassador that a copy of the judgment will be available within 15 days, as required by law, and that he would ensure post receives a copy. He also stated that he is 95 per cent sure that the appeal trial will be open to the public. Post will continue to follow up on issues related to the case, and will make available to the desk a copy of the judgment when received. End Comment. TEFFT