Tbilisi Civil Court recieved unfair decision

Mr. R. Topchishvili Judge of Tbilisi Civil Court received decision not to comply with Mr. G. Chkahidze’s civil action against Georgian Ltd “OJT” (Which has license from “Phillip Morris” to produce cigarette “L&M”) in November 30. Mr. Chkhaidze requested defense of consumers’ rights and put specific medical warnings on packs of “L&M”, the active consumer of which he is during last 10 years. Also coverage of health warning should be min. 50% of principal display areas of packs including pictograms.

Mr. Chkhaidze has got coronary dystrophy of legs from smoking and he was operated 1, 5 year ago. Surgical doctor strongly recommended quit smoking to patient Chkhaidze, but he has hard addiction to “L&M” cigarette and he couldn’t quit. It is the big risk for recidivate of the same disease and heart attack -confirmed doctor.

Mr. Chkhaidze requested compensation in range of 500 000 GEL (300 000 USD), which also was rejected. Georgian court couldn’t defense rights of consumers to have information regarding concrete risks on their health from smoking cigarettes, particular “L&M” brand. American court for instance got reasonable decision to the similar case and Court obliged “Phillip Morris” to compensate 300 million USD the woman who was harmed by smoking.

We’re ready to assist Mr. Chkhaidze to defense his interests in Appellation and Cassation Courts of Georgia after getting unfair decision from Court of first instance, Mr. R. Topchishvili. We’ve no expectations that Georgian courts will make just decision on second and third stages, but after finalizing of all internal court decisions, we have chance to apply to the European Court on Human Rights in Strasbourg.


Mass media gave huge interest to the on-going court processes.