Who Is Irma Kapanadze in Reality?
A Public Legal Statement — Requesting a Joint Georgian–Italian Investigation into Alleged Illegal Migration Facilitation, Systematic Electronic Harassment and Defamation
An appeal to the General Prosecutor's Office of Georgia, the competent Italian prosecutorial and law enforcement authorities, and relevant international human rights organizations.
All allegations contained in this statement are subject to independent verification and must be examined in accordance with the presumption of innocence and applicable law.
I. Background — Allegations of Systematic Harassment Against Lawyer Lasha Janibegashvili
Irma Kapanadze, a Georgian citizen reportedly residing in Udine, Italy, has been the subject of complaints concerning alleged systematic online harassment, insulting statements and the dissemination of unsubstantiated allegations against Georgian lawyer and human rights defender Lasha Janibegashvili.
According to Janibegashvili, Kapanadze has repeatedly engaged in unwanted online conduct, including the dissemination of allegedly defamatory material through social media platforms and Georgian emigrant communities.
Janibegashvili further reports that numerous individuals have contacted him with complaints concerning Kapanadze's alleged activities.
The number, content and credibility of these complaints must be independently established through witness statements and supporting documentation.
II. Allegations Concerning Illegal Migration Facilitation and Fabricated Personal Histories
Of particular concern are reports received by Janibegashvili alleging that Irma Kapanadze may have participated in activities facilitating irregular migration involving Georgian citizens.
Irma Kapanadze
According to these allegations, the activities requiring investigation may include:
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Alleged assistance in arranging irregular migration or unlawful residence in Italy;
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Alleged preparation, encouragement or coordination of fabricated personal histories intended to support migration-related applications;
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Possible assistance in presenting misleading information to immigration authorities, including in procedures concerning international protection;
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Possible involvement of intermediaries operating between Georgia and Italy;
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Any financial or material benefits that may have been received in connection with such activities.
These matters have not been established as criminal facts. They are allegations that require verification through witness testimony, documentary evidence and lawful investigative procedures.
In particular, the competent authorities should assess whether any established conduct falls within the scope of applicable Georgian and Italian criminal legislation.
Article 344² of the Criminal Code of Georgia addresses, among other matters, certain forms of assistance with the unlawful stay of Georgian citizens abroad and the facilitation or organization of false claims concerning rights violations for the purpose of obtaining international protection, where the statutory requirements are met.
We therefore formally request that the prosecutorial authorities of Georgia and Italy examine these allegations through coordinated investigative and international mutual legal assistance procedures.
The investigation should determine whether any unlawful migration-related activity occurred, who may have participated in it, whether fabricated narratives were knowingly arranged, and whether any financial benefit was obtained.
III. Systematic Electronic Harassment and Alleged Cyberstalking
A separate and serious concern involves allegations of persistent electronic harassment directed against Lasha Janibegashvili.
According to his account, the reported conduct has included repeated unwanted communications, insulting publications, allegedly defamatory accusations and the circulation of disputed material across social media networks.
Janibegashvili states that these activities have caused significant psychological distress and damaged his professional reputation.
He further alleges that the conduct has continued despite previous legal complaints and judicial intervention.
Under Article 151¹ of the Criminal Code of Georgia, stalking may constitute a criminal offence when the statutory elements are satisfied.
Similarly, Article 612-bis of the Italian Criminal Code addresses repeated threatening or harassing conduct that produces the legally defined consequences, including serious and persistent anxiety or fear, or a forced change in ordinary living habits.
Electronic or telematic means may constitute an aggravating circumstance under Italian law.
We request an independent investigation into whether the documented conduct amounts to criminal stalking or other unlawful electronic harassment under the applicable laws of Georgia or Italy.
IV. Defamation Is Subject to Criminal Liability Under Italian Law
It is particularly important to emphasize that defamatory conduct may constitute a criminal offence under Italian law.
Article 595 of the Italian Criminal Code (Diffamazione) establishes criminal liability for certain communications that unlawfully damage another person's reputation.
Where the statutory elements are established, dissemination through social media or other public communication channels may fall within the aggravated form of defamation.
Not every insulting statement, disagreement or criticism constitutes criminal defamation. The legal assessment must consider the specific publication, its factual content, context, authorship and applicable protections for freedom of expression.
Nevertheless, a person's residence in Italy does not place potentially unlawful online activity beyond legal scrutiny.
We call upon the competent Italian authorities to examine the reported publications, establish their authorship and determine whether grounds exist for criminal proceedings or other appropriate legal measures.
Where the evidence supports criminal liability, we request an effective and proportionate response in accordance with Italian law.
V. Previous Court Proceedings Involving Irma Kapanadze
The dispute between Irma Kapanadze and Lasha Janibegashvili has previously been the subject of judicial proceedings in Georgia.
Initially, Kapanadze submitted a complaint against Janibegashvili. Janibegashvili subsequently filed a complaint against Kapanadze.
According to a report published by Rustavi 2 on 8 September 2026, the Gori District Court found Kapanadze responsible for an administrative offence involving insulting conduct.
The court reportedly released her from administrative liability after considering mitigating circumstances and issued a verbal admonition.
This judicial outcome forms part of the documented history of the dispute.
Any allegations concerning subsequent conduct must be investigated separately, and the earlier court decision must not be treated as proof of unrelated criminal activity.
VI. Possible Connection to the Lela Chokuri Litigation
Particular attention should also be given to the timing of the reported harassment.
Lasha Janibegashvili has been involved in legal proceedings concerning Lela Chokuri and a disputed €2,000,000 lottery prize in Italy.
According to Janibegashvili, the Georgian litigation involves an opposing party represented by former Chief Prosecutor Archil Kbilashvili.
Janibegashvili considers it necessary to determine whether the reported online activities are connected in any way to his professional participation in that litigation.
The following questions require objective examination:
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Is the reported activity coordinated by identifiable individuals?
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Are the same allegations being systematically reproduced through connected social media accounts?
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Is there evidence of communication or coordination between persons involved in the publications and individuals interested in the litigation?
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Has anyone attempted to influence, intimidate or obstruct the lawyer's professional activities?
No connection between the alleged online harassment and the parties involved in the Lela Chokuri proceedings should be presumed without independent evidence.
VII. Formal Demands to the Georgian and Italian Authorities
In view of the allegations outlined above, we formally request:
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A coordinated examination by the competent prosecutorial authorities of Georgia and Italy into the reported activities of Irma Kapanadze, within their respective legal jurisdictions.
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An independent assessment of allegations concerning the possible facilitation of irregular migration and the alleged preparation or coordination of fabricated personal histories.
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The identification and questioning of individuals who have submitted complaints or possess direct knowledge of the alleged conduct.
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The lawful preservation and examination of relevant electronic evidence, including social media publications, video recordings, messages, account information and associated digital records.
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An assessment of whether the reported conduct constitutes stalking, criminal defamation or another offence under applicable Georgian or Italian legislation.
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The examination of any credible evidence suggesting coordinated harassment or unlawful pressure against Lasha Janibegashvili.
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Where justified, the use of international mutual legal assistance mechanisms to exchange evidence between the competent authorities of Georgia and Italy.
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The examination of any substantiated connection between the reported harassment and the Lela Chokuri litigation.
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The adoption of appropriate protective and investigative measures where legally warranted.
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Written, reasoned responses to the relevant complaints and requests for investigation.
VIII. Appeal to International Human Rights Organizations
We also call upon relevant international and European human rights organizations, legal professional associations and institutions concerned with the protection of human rights defenders to take an interest in the reported circumstances.
The purpose of this appeal is to promote independent oversight, encourage lawful cross-border cooperation and ensure that complaints concerning alleged electronic harassment are properly examined.
Where within their mandates, such organizations are requested to monitor the handling of the complaints, provide appropriate institutional assistance and draw attention to any substantiated failure to protect fundamental rights.
We emphasize that international organizations cannot replace national prosecutors or courts. Their involvement is requested within their respective legal powers and institutional mandates.
IX. Legal Status and Professional Activities of Lasha Janibegashvili
According to his statement, Lasha Janibegashvili has not been the subject of a criminal investigation in Georgia concerning any alleged criminal offence.
He currently resides outside Georgia and continues providing legal services to clients in cooperation with partner lawyers through advocatory.ge.
Janibegashvili states that his departure from Georgia followed political pressure and threats connected with his professional activities.
He considers the reported online harassment to be an additional source of pressure affecting his personal dignity, psychological well-being and professional reputation.
X. Conclusion — A Demand for Effective International Legal Cooperation
The allegations described in this statement raise issues that extend beyond an ordinary personal dispute.
They concern reported electronic harassment, possible criminal defamation, alleged irregular migration facilitation and questions about the protection of a legal professional working across national borders.
The relevant authorities must distinguish substantiated facts from unverified allegations and examine the available evidence without prejudice.
We formally call upon the General Prosecutor's Office of Georgia and the competent Italian prosecutorial authorities to cooperate, where legally appropriate, in examining the reported circumstances and to take effective legal action wherever sufficient evidence of criminal conduct is established.
We further request the attention of relevant international human rights organizations to ensure that the complaints receive an impartial, lawful and effective assessment.
No person should be convicted in the court of public opinion. Equally, no individual should be denied effective legal protection merely because the alleged conduct involves several countries or takes place through electronic communication platforms.
The rule of law requires accountability where wrongdoing is proven, protection for those whose rights have been violated, and full respect for the presumption of innocence.
advocatory.ge — Lasha Janibegashvili
Author: Journalist Megi Sadradze
Legal and Media Sources
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Criminal Code of Georgia — Articles 151¹ and 344².
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Italian Criminal Code — Articles 595 and 612-bis.
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Rustavi 2 — https://www.rustavi2.ge/ka/news/363043
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Imedi — https://imedi.ge/ge/samartali/451892/sajaro-sivrtseshi-sheuratskhkopis-gamo-m
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Relevant judicial decision concerning the administrative proceedings — to be attached.
Legal notice: The allegations in this publication are presented as complaints and matters requiring investigation. They do not constitute established findings of criminal responsibility. Any determination of liability belongs exclusively to the competent authorities and courts.