On November 28, 2017 the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights delivered a landmark judgment on the case of Ivane Merabishvili v. Georgia.

In its landmark decision the Court found violation of Articles 5.3 and 18 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Specifically, the Grand Chamber reiterated the Section judgment and stated that pre-trial detention of the former Prime Minister Ivane Merabishvili's was politically motivated and was misused by the Georgian Government to exert pressure on him.

The case of Merabishvili v. Georgia is only the 7th case in the Court's 60-year history where violation of Article 18 has been found. More importantly, this is the first case ever where violation of Article 18 was established by the Grand Chamber.

Mr. Merabishvili's interests were represented by BGI Legal (Georgia) and European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC, Middlesex University, London).

"The judgment on case of Merabishvili v. Georgia has shaped the precedent in the field of human rights law and represents a pivotal step towards effective protection of legal and political rights of individuals throughout Europe" - Ani Khojelani, Attorney representing the Interests of Ivane Merabishvili before the European Court of Human Rights.

"The judgment is important not only for the Applicant, former Prime Minister of Georgia, but also all individuals in Europe. This landmark and historical judgment will be effective way for the individuals to protect themselves from politically motivated state abuse in the future" - Davit Kakoishvili, Attorney representing the Interests of Ivane Merabishvili before the European Court of Human Rights.