Though different non-governmental, public organizations, political parties or people of good will support abolition of capital punishment, only legislative authority is in the position to resolve the debate around the capital punishment. It is precisely this unique decisive power that gives paramount importance to the opinion of the representatives of the authority. The following are the interviews with the members of the Parliament who support the abolition of capital punishment in Georgia.
Giorgi Kobakhidze, the deputy chairman of the Parliament:
Abolition of capital punishment has no alternative; it is one of the requirements of our Constitution. However, the timing of its settlement is problematic. First, inspired by Christian Orthodox principles, I support the abolition of capital punishment. Secondly, according to the statistical data, death penalty decreases neither the cruelty of a crime, nor its number.
What will happen with 41 people already sentenced to death?
I think, in the near future the parliament should repeal their sentences. In due course, as soon as the changes are made into the corresponding legislation, each case should be revised.
Elene Tevdoradze, the chairman of the parliamentary subcommittee on penitential reform and defendants:
- I do not hesitate supporting the abolition of capital punishment, though I have inner fear. According to the initiative of European Union and other international non-governmental organizations, a moratorium should be decreed on capital punishment for a year, until it is finally abolished. Excuse me, but it is unacceptable for me and I shall explain why: What shall we do if we vote abolition of capital punishment in a year and can not abolish it, or if we pass another decree in connection with the dates of abolition? Where should those 41 prisoners, currently awaiting execution, stay while we debate? During this time they may die in prison without execution. It means, that by decreeing the moratorium we shall bury them alive. In my opinion, the moratorium may be passed only in the case, if the prisoners are taken to closed prison. Otherwise, this moratorium is unacceptable for me. Let us imagine, that a year has passed and we either continue the moratorium or put the question of abolition to the vote. It means that we sentence these prisoners to death for the third time.
Vakhtang Kolbaia, the deputy chairman of Parliament of Georgia:
If we take into account our intention to integrate into Europe, we can not avoid the solution of this question. Maybe it is a transient factor, still we should reject it. I support the existence of capital punishment.
Eldar Shenguelaia, the deputy chairman of Parliament of Georgia:
According to the Constitution, in due course we should come to it. Generally I support abolition of capital punishment, since this punishment has not made any changes at all. We should analyse whether we are ready for it. We should think about the economic implications of the alternative solution. Let's imagine, that we imprisoned a person for life and he will live in a cell during his whole life. I do not know what kind of cell it would be. Currently, our discussions are at the level of ideas and let us try to avoid the situation, when capital punishment was abolished only to be adopted again, like in some countries. It would be too tragic.
MP Mikhail Machavariani, the executive secretary general of Citizens Union, member of the committee on constitutional and legal questions:
Given our commitment to future membership in the European family, capital punishment should be abolished. European Union categorically demands from its member-countries to abolish capital punishment; this is their rule and we should agree with it.
Do you consider it acceptable to put the above-mentioned question on the agenda and to the vote in the parliament in a year?
I think, that one year is an optimal period. Of course, it will be a complicated system; as soon as the decision is made, we should re-evaluate certain charges, since capital punishment can not be changed by 15 years of imprisonment.
Do you support imprisonment for life or long-term imprisonment?
I support long-term imprisonment, though, in my opinion, only the economically strong state afford it, and I hope we shall become strong enough by that time.
Manana Gigineishvili, member of the Parliament of Georgia:
I categorically support abolition of capital punishment.
Irakli Menagarishvili, Foreign Minister of Georgia:
I am a doctor; this already means, that I am against capital punishment. How can a doctor support capital punishment, even if it is a form of punishment by the state?!
Kakha Chitaia, the chairman of the parliamentary committee on foreign affairs:
I categorically oppose the existence of capital punishment in Georgia, the Constitution demands its abolition too; however, it should be changed by an appropriate punishment.
Mikhail Saakashvili, the chairman of the parliamentary committee on constitutional and legal questions:
I support abolition of capital punishment, though it should be changed by the institute of imprisonment for life, by all means.
You mean not long-term imprisonment, but just imprisonment for life?
Yes, just so.
Do you consider it possible to abolish capital punishment in a year?
Of course, if we create the appropriate conditions for imprisonment for life in Georgia.
As I know, this question has not been discussed at the faction of Citizens' Union of Georgia, the member of which you are. What about the committee on legal questions?
I think, the most part of our committee thinks so, though we have not discussed this question yet.
Are you going to discuss it?
Of course, we are.
This is the position of some of the Georgian politicians. Sadly, as evident from the following events, the supporters of the abolition of capital punishment are so far in the Parliamentary minority.
Nino Ratishvili