by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Last November, a delegation from the bench and the bar of the Republic of Georgia visited Jacksonville to learn how the American judicial system works with special emphasis on our jury trial procedures.
They visited the State Attorney’s Office and the Public Defenders Office and even observed Circuit Court Judge John Merritt as he presided over the selection of a jury for a high-profile criminal case.
Business cards were exchanged during the group’s visit and when the Russian military mounted its recent incursion into the Republic of Georgia, we wondered how our Georgian visitors were affected by the conflict.
One member of the delegation, Tbilisi City Criminal Court Chief of Bureau Giorgi Otarashvili, has his e-mail address on his card. Why not give it a try?
We sent a message via the World Wide Web to Otarashvili Aug. 14 and didn’t get a response for almost a week because as it turns out, he hasn’t been in his office lately.
Here’s what we received Wednesday:
“Thanks a lot for your attention and condolence. Situation is really terrible and exceptionally perturbing. After the Russian, unexpected brutality, we have a great diminish of our compatriots, who fought in defence(sic) of our country’s unity and honour(sic). Unfortunately lots of innocent people, little children died, towns and villages are totally destroyed. I was there in Gori, as a reserve officer, fighting against the Russian agression(sic). Thanks God all my friends stayed alive and feel safe. Thank you again and your country for the condolence, which is too much important for us.”
Sincerely yours,
Giorgi Otarashvili