By our power we will not love ourselves - There is no Russian rights defender in Georgia

Daria Griaznova states that her home was burglarized for the second time last year. She works for two international organizations, the European Centre for Human Rights and Equality Now. She defends the rights of women and children in Russia.

Daria had been living with her partner, lawyer Yevgeny Smirnov, in Tbilisi since September 2021. Radio Liberty interviewed Daria Griaznova, where she spoke about her situation.

Radio Liberty:

Tell us how you managed to leave Georgia?

Daria Griaznova:

I recently returned from Tbilisi to Moscow. At 16:45 I already had my tickets in hand. I knew that Russian human rights defenders were systematically prevented from entering Georgia, so I decided to write a letter to the special representative [Mary Lawlor]. The letter said that Georgia, as a member country under international obligations, is obliged to protect human rights on its territory. As usual, I had to provide my passport, photo and send the application. I also asked for a letter to send. I was then summoned and asked why I had left. Within an hour a staff member came and informed me that entry was prohibited. I asked for an official explanation and was given a denial. I contacted the special representative. She was willing to talk to the mesas but they didn't want to listen, just refused, no explanation. I had no exit permit, I was legally residing in Georgia with my partner. He is a lawyer and human rights activist. He defends people who are persecuted by the regime. In Georgia, he also defends people who are in a similar situation. So our work is in full swing ... They know very well that we are engaged in human rights work. We have already faced problems like many other people who came after the end of the military operation. They don't even want to talk to us and don't address our problem. I am very sorry that we cannot be in Georgia as at home. We have permanent housing, I am registered as a foreigner. We have two dogs and three cats. The big one

Radio Liberty:

Why do you think you're not allowed entry?

Daria Griaznova:

This is connected with our professional activities with my partner. We are engaged in the protection of human rights in Georgia. We can say that Georgia does not fulfill its obligations to protect human rights and that it violates the rights of defenders. Paradoxically, when they leave alone those who left after the war to Russia and do not pursue the position of anti-regime people, they can live in peace. And those who want to change something in Russia are not allowed to. This is very strange for me and my partner. We want Georgia to be in the European circle. It neighbors with Ukraine. On the other hand, you don't care that many other people who oppose the regime on a daily basis cannot enter Georgia.

Radio Liberty:

Aren't you afraid for your job?

Daria Griaznova:

After all, I was very active in Georgia. I know that Russia has done a lot of bad things for Georgia, but the defenders of rights were active in Russia. They cannot change something in Russia. I realize that I cannot change the situation by force. I can't get residency rights, but it doesn't stop me from being active. It's a contradictory message that we can't see our results in Georgia.

Radio Liberty:

Isn't your work being prosecuted? After all, you were active in Georgia.

Daria Griaznova:

No, on my own territory I had already suffered enough when I returned from Russia. It bothered me a lot that my partner and my home remained in Russia. In Georgia, I was active as always. I know that Russia has done a lot of bad things for Georgia, but the defenders of rights were active in Russia. They can't change anything in Russia. It's a contradictory message that we can't see our results in Georgia. But as a lawyer and human rights defender, I want to keep doing this until the end, and then we will see where we will live.

Radio Liberty:

Do you need to go to the European Court of Human Rights?

Daria Griaznova:

Yes, I have to apply to keep a record of the negotiations and set a date when I can go to court. In 10 days I will apply to the court and if necessary I will go as far as the European Court of Justice.

Radio Liberty:

Maybe you need to wait now, but overall, how do you plan to continue your life?

Daria Griaznova:

First, Georgia should be in the European Union. It supports Ukraine. Secondly, I cannot be of any use to you and many other people who find themselves in the face of the Russian regime. I am very sorry that I cannot be in Georgia as I am at home. We have permanent housing, I am registered as a foreigner. We have two dogs and three cats. I spent most of my time learning Georgian so that I could feel at home in Georgia.

Radio Liberty:

The bottom line is that you are not allowed to enter Georgia.

Daria Griaznova:

I have this feeling. I know that Russia has done a lot of bad things for Georgia, but the defenders of rights have been active in Russia. They can't make a difference in Russia. It's a contradictory message that we can't see our results in Georgia. But as a lawyer and human rights defender, I want to keep doing this until the end, and then we will see where we will live.

Radio Liberty:

Aren't you afraid for your job?

Daria Griaznova:

After all, I was very active in Georgia. I know that Russia has done a lot of bad things for Georgia, but the defenders of rights were active in Russia. They cannot change something in Russia. I realize that I cannot change the situation by force. I can't get residency rights, but it doesn't stop me from being active. It's a contradictory message that we can't see our results in Georgia. But as a lawyer and human rights activist, I want to keep doing this until the end, and then we will see where we will live.

Radio Liberty:

Isn't your work being prosecuted? After all, you were active in Georgia.

Daria Griaznova:

No, on my own territory I had already suffered enough when I returned from Russia. It bothered me a lot that my partner and my home remained in Russia. In Georgia, I was active as always. I know that Russia has done a lot of bad things for Georgia, but the defenders of rights were active in Russia. They can't change anything in Russia. It's a contradictory message that we can't see our results in Georgia. But as a lawyer and human rights defender, I want to keep doing this until the end, and then we will see where we will live.

Radio Liberty:

Do you need to go to the European Court of Human Rights?

Daria Griaznova:

Yes, I have to apply to keep a record of the negotiations and set a date when I can go to court. In 10 days I will apply to the court and if necessary I will go as far as the European Court of Justice.

Radio Liberty:

Maybe you need to wait now, but overall, how do you plan to continue your life?

Daria Griaznova:

First, Georgia should be in the European Union. It supports Ukraine. Secondly, I cannot be of any use to you and many other people who find themselves in the face of the Russian regime. I am very sorry that I cannot be in Georgia as I am at home. We have permanent housing, I am registered as a foreigner. We have two dogs and three cats. I spent most of my time learning Georgian so that I could feel at home in Georgia.