Georgian NGOs, are starting a new phase of the fight against “Russian law.”  The European Court of Human Rights has registered a lawsuit of 16 media organizations, 120 civil society organizations, and four natural persons. More (geo)…  Source: GYLA

121 Georgian non-governmental and media organizations continue their legal battle against the “Russian law”, for which we will appeal to the Constitutional Court. Along with the lawsuit, as a temporary measure until the court makes a final decision, we also demand to suspend the implementation of the unconstitutional provisions of the law. More… Source: transparency.ge

Tbilisi. The Coalition for Independent and Transparent Judiciary reacts to the election of three new Supreme Court members by the Georgian Parliament, viewing it as another step damaging the European integration process. "Successful European integration and the realization of necessary democratic reforms, including fundamental judicial reform, represent an unwavering will repeatedly expressed by the overwhelming majority of Georgian society. The ruling party and all branches of the government must respect this mandate." more... source: transparency.ge

Tbilisi.IDFI presents information about several repressive mechanisms of Russian Law. To Whom does the Russian Law apply? What can be requested from people and organizations? What are the sanctions? Will the appeal stop the repressive decisions? More... Source: IDFI 

Tbilisi. Non-governmental organizations published a joint statement. The text of the statement: „On the night of May 8, the government's nerves failed, and they prematurely revealed their intentions for Georgia's future. The shift in foreign policy and announced repressions by Bidzina Ivanishvili on April 29 have swiftly materialized into tangible actions - threats and insults hurled at hundreds of citizens have escalated into physical assaults and organized reprisals against politicians and activists. The oligarch and his puppets seem to forget that Georgia is not Russia. Georgians know the value of freedom. Our struggle for European future cannot be undermined by tactics reminiscent of Russian security services. Georgians do not condone ambushing individuals, pursuing them through hallways, or attempting to break down doors to intimidate small children. This is how the Russian regime operates. We will provide legal assistance to all victims. Every instance of targeted attacks on active citizens - whether during recent demonstrations or presently - will be thoroughly followed up to the end. We will demand and ensure the identification of all perpetrators. Freedom stands as the cornerstone of Georgian values. That is why we stand and will stand on the guard of Georgia's European future, shielding our nation from Russian tactics and violence. The Georgian people will emerge victorious from this struggle, and the aggressors will face appropriate consequences“. More… Source: csf.ge

Tbilisi. The Coalition for an Independent and Transparent Judiciary: On April 5, it was revealed that four judges, including Mikheil Chinchaladze and Levan Murusidze, halted the inspection of their assets by the Anti-Corruption Bureau through court proceedings. The judges who initiated the court case against the Anti-Corruption Bureau are the ones whose integrity, including their financial status, is a matter of considerable public concern. This incident sets a troubling precedent and provides the Clan members with an opportunity to exploit the courts to avoid assessment of their financial integrity, even within the limited scope of the inspection conducted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The aforementioned further points to the need to check the integrity of judges appointed to key judicial positions through an extraordinary mechanism. more: https://rights.ge/en/advert/158 source: rights.ge

Georgia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence”: "The announcement by the ruling party in Georgia to re-introduce a draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence” raises serious concerns. The EU recalls the public pledge of the Georgian government and the ruling party to “unconditionally withdraw” such legislation last year. The EU regrets that it is once again being considered despite strong public and international reactions in March 2023.  Step 9 includes a recommendation for Georgia to make sure that civil society can operate freely and Step 1 calls on Georgia to fight disinformation against the EU and its values. Transparency should not be used as an instrument to limit civil society’s capacity to operate freely.  We encourage the political leaders in Georgia to adopt and implement reforms that are in line with the stated objective of joining the European Union, as supported by a large majority of Georgia’s citizens. The EU calls on Georgia to uphold its commitment to the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and human rights." More... Source: European Union in Georgia

Tbilisi.Within the framework of the project supported by European Union in Georgia, more than 150 professionals - social workers, judges, lawyers - participated in the workshops organized by UNICEF aimed at promotion of efficient implementation of Article 26 of the Code on the Rights of the Child and the establishment of uniform practices.  Article 26 of the Code regulates the issue of separation of a child from the family and considers it permissible only when the life, health or safety of the child is in immediate danger, and even then the decision must be taken with the approval of the court. Professionals and invited specialists shared with each other information and experience on basic concepts, principles, approaches and ways of cooperation in order to establish a uniform practice and protect the best interests of the child. More...

Tbilisi.With the support of UN Women, the Tbilisi Municipality – City Assembly and City Hall have taken a significant step forward by approving an Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Mechanism. This is the first case of the local authority implementing such a document. The approved document unequivocally prohibits sexual harassment, whether perpetrated by employees of the municipality or political officials. It outlines clear protocols for identifying, addressing, and imposing respective sanctions in cases of sexual harassment. UN Women remains committed to supporting other municipalities and central governmental entities in their efforts to combat sexual harassment. More... Source: UN Women Georgia

Tbilisi.On 20 February 2024, the Georgian Young Lawyers‘ Association, Social Justice Center, Institute for Development of Freedom of Information and Studio Monitor held a launching ceremony for the EU-funded project – “Promoting greater civic awareness and engagement in judicial reforms and facilitating increased access to justice through holistic multi-agency action”.  The event centred around the purpose of the Project, its possible outcomes and activities. In addition, the Panel Discussion was organized with regards to the Georgian justice reform. As human rights are at the core of EU values as well as the EU-Georgia relationship, this project is a good example of EU support for Georgia’s advancement in Human Rights Practices, Democracy, and Rule of Law. More... Source: georgian young lawyers' association

Tbilisi.The Center for Social Justice publishes a statement. The purpose of fining the citizens involved in the eviction action is to suppress critical opinion Considering the above, the signatory organizations call on: Ministry of Internal Affairs - to stop the practice of mass arrest of citizens during gatherings and demonstrations.  At the same time, it should be mandatory for law enforcement officers to turn on video cameras while communicating with citizens;  General Courts - to consider the cases of activists in compliance with the standards of freedom of assembly and expression and to ensure the adoption of reasoned decisions that are not based only on the testimony of the police;  The Special Investigation Service - to promptly and effectively investigate the facts of the alleged use of disproportionate force and violation of dignity against the participants of the peaceful assembly;  The Parliament of Georgia - to timely ensure the systematic reform of the legislation on administrative offenses; More... Source: Center for Social Justice

Tbilisi.According to Transparency International's 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Georgia has a score of 53 points, which is a 3 point decrease compared to the previous year.  Even though Georgia maintains its leading position in the region, it has not had such a low score since 2015. More... Source: transparency international Georgia

Tbilisi. The Social Justice Center has filed an appeal with the Constitutional Court, addressing the administrative practice of arbitrarily denying entry to Georgia for foreigners. The mentioned practice often serves as a basis for discriminatory treatment by the authorities. The Social Justice Centre expresses optimism that the Constitutional Court will expeditiously deliberate on the appeal it has submitted and provide assistance in the successful enforcement of the constitutional rights that have been infringed upon for hundreds of individuals.  The Social Justice Center is conducting this case with the support of the USAID Rule of Law Program. More... Source: The Social Justice Center

Tbilisi. "Transparency International - Georgia" Based on the best international practices and taking into account the challenges of Georgia, he developed a legislative proposal on strengthening parliamentary control over the security sector, which will help the country to fulfill the recommendations of the European Commission. The legislative proposal was submitted to the Parliament on December 13. "The legislative proposal will touch on such important issues as, among others: Creation of a new structure (committee, sub-committee or trust group with extended mandate) in the Parliament for the control of the security sector; Full extension of parliamentary control over SUS events, personal data protection in the field of security and secret procurement; Creation of a council of experts equipped with special knowledge, which will competently control the activities of the security service." More... Source: Transparency International - Georgia

Tbilisi. Transparency International - Georgia publishes information on land registration amnesty.  "The Parliament adopted an initiative on amnesty, which releases those who have criminally obtained state-owned agricultural land plots from criminal liability and punishment.  The amnesty is going to extend only to those individuals who will, by 1 September 2024, have fully compensated the damage caused to the state as a result of the commission of the crime – returned the land plot or, if this is impossible, paid an amount equivalent to its value to the budget." More... Source: Transparency International - Georgia

Tbilisi. According to the IDFI, employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Goga Razmadze describes discriminatory and humiliating treatment toward him. “Goga Razmadze’s statement is sufficiently concrete and needs effective Response. Some of these facts contain elements of a crime. IDFI supports Goga Razmadze and calls on the Ministry to stop any process that might be aimed at pressuring employees for their expressed opinions”. Learn more… Source: idfi.ge

Tbilisi. TI Georgia’s legal team successfully represented journalist Tengo Gogotishvili in all three instance courts, resulting in TV Company “Rustavi 2” being ordered to pay Tengo Gogotishvili’s salary and corresponding compensation. Read more… Source: TI Georgia’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. With the help of Rights Georgia, the Iranian blogger was granted international protection. He has been seeking asylum in Georgia since 2015. “The blogger spoke openly to the media about the protests and movements following the presidential elections in Iran. He published articles on the political and socio-economic structure of Iran and publicly expressed his desire to actively cooperate with America and implement changes in Iran's political system. In 2009, his educational department was closed against his will, and in 2010, he was arrested by the security services on charges of collaborating with anti-Islamic organizations. An Iranian blogger was released from prison in exchange for real estate as a guarantee and left the country, fearing for his life due to his activities”. Read more… Source: rights.ge

Tbilisi. According to the Georgia Young Lawyers Association, 2 years have passed since the events of July 5-6, 2021, however, until now not all the episodes of possible crime actions have been properly investigated. “Nowadays, it is clear that, despite the punishment of certain perpetrators, the agency in charge of criminal proceedings does not have the necessary will to punish the organizer of violence actions, the leader or the persons who publicly incited to violent acts. It is true that the investigation, among others, is going against the organizers of violence, however, it is not all-round, objective and properly effective, due to the focus of the investigation and not bringing charges to specific persons.  GYLA believes that the victims have been artificially limited the access to the materials obtained by the investigation in the respect of organizers, leaders or the persons who publicly incited to the violent acts”. Read more… Source: gyla.ge