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BGI wins landmark case against the Georgian Government

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.

Lasha Gogiberidze maintains an excellent reputation for his expertise in capital markets and project finance, handling some of the market's most prominent lending transactions. Clients highlight him as an "open-minded" practitioner who "always comes up with a good solution" and provides advice which is "straight to the point and concise." Zaza Bibilashvili has experience of handling some of the biggest mandates in the market, most recently advising on substantial real estate projects. He is also a noted practitioner in the dispute resolution arena.

Chambers Global - 2017

The four-partner team at BGI Legal provides a ‘responsive, proactive and solution-oriented service to a wide range of international corporates both directly and on a referral basis from major international law firms; it has built a strong reputation acting for investors and lenders on many of the country s largest projects. The ‘excellent Lasha Gogiberidze has led the team s work in several major energy mandates, including advising an Asian investor on a hydropower project. Gogiberidze is also regularly involved in financing work, including inter-bank lending, regulatory lending (to comply with capital adequacy requirements) and capital markets work, where Unana Gogokhia is also establishing a strong reputation.

Legal 500 - 2016

Zaza Bibilashvili is a well-known and highly regarded figure in the Georgian legal market. One of the founding partners of the firm, he oversees projects and is a key contact for clients. Lasha Gogiberidze has been called "one of the leading lawyers in Georgia" and "a central person not just in capital markets, but in the legal market in general." Considered an expert in capital markets and project finance work, particularly in the energy sphere, he is highly respected by his peers, who say: "He`s among the top lawyers who shaped the legal market."

Chambers Global - 2016