Independent agency to look into possible crimes committed by law enforcers starting November 1
The creation of an independent mechanism in Georgia to investigate possible crimes committed by law enforcers has been long-demanded by NGOs and the opposition. Photo: police.ge.
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A new, independent agency, the State Inspector’s Office, which replaced the Personal Data Protection Inspector’s Office back in July 2019, will begin its function to investigate possible crimes committed by law enforcers and state officials starting November 1.
An event was held earlier today to mark the upcoming launch of the work of the agency and was attended by top Georgian officials.
The proper investigation of possible crimes committed by law enforcers and officials has been long demanded by the opposition and NGOs and was recommended by international organisations.
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia said that the investigation of possible offences committed by law enforcers has been a challenge for the Georgian law enforcement system.
Georgian PM Giorgi Gakharia said that the investigative function of the new agency will benefit Georgia's law enforcement system. Photo: government of Georgia press office.
I believe that granting the right to investigate possible crimes committed by law enforcers to this independent agency will play a big role in boosting trust in the law enforcement system,” Gakharia said.
He stated that the creation of an independent investigative mechanism and the State Inspector’s Office was one of the “main components of democratic reforms” in the country.
This is the most important step taken in the justice system of Georgia over the past one year,” Gakharia said.
The Georgian government supported the creation of the State Inspector’s Office in February 2018.
EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell tweeted:
Congratulations to ???????? on important launch of State Inspectorate Service today.
— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) October 30, 2019
SIS starts in 2 days w/ mandate to investigate severe violations of law enforcement officers. We count on it to play key role in increasing accountability.
EU proud to have assisted & will stay engaged pic.twitter.com/Rz20OQ7Z3Y
The new, independent agency was created earlier this year and replaced the Personal Data Protection Inspector’s Office.
Along with its investigative functions, the agency carries out oversight on personal data protection.
The Georgian parliament approved Londa Toloraia, the former head of Human Rights Department of the Interior Ministry, as the country’s first state inspector in June 2019.
Georgian Public Defender Nino Lomjaria says that less people addressed her office for help in 2018 regarding possible abuse by law enforcers.
Georgian Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani stated in parliament today that starting from 2013 the Georgian Dream leadership has gathered and presented more than 700 pieces of evidence proving that Russia started the war in Georgia in 2008.
The Georgian parliament has approved Londa Toloraia, the former head of Human Rights Department of the Interior Ministry, as the country’s first state inspector to investigate possible crimes committed by law enforcers.
The government of Georgia has allowed for the creation of the State Inspector’s Service that will study alleged offences committed by law enforcers, a decision that has long been requested by the civil sector and the opposition.
The Georgian Interior Ministry has dismissed allegations by the family of a 15-year-old of allegedly applying psychological pressure at Tbilisi Didube-Chugureti police station last week, which may have led to a suicide attempt by the minor.
A 15-year-old minor who may have been led to a suicide attempt by psychological pressure at Tbilisi Didube-Chugureti police station last week, is in critical condition after surgery and doctors have him on assisted respiration, announced Edisher Magalashvili, a neurosurgeon at M. Iashvili Childrens Central Hospital.
Eight non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has demanded the State Inspector’s office investigate the recent murder of 24-year-old Murad Tsurtsumia who died in an incident involving Interior Ministry employee Zurab Popkhadze.
Member of political movement Lelo Vakhtang Robakidze has been questioned by the State Inspector’s Office, an independent agency which investigates alleged offences committed by law enforcers, as Robakidze Has accused police of physically attacking him after being detained.
The State Inspector’s Service launched criminal prosecution against five law enforcers in 2019 throughout Georgia, the State Inspector Londa Toloraia said while delivering an annual report to members of parliament earlier today.
The Georgian Chief Prosecutor’s Office has been investigating alleged offenses committed by 11 law enforcement officers in 10 cases, at the request of the State Inspector’s Office between January 1, 2020 and November 17, 2021.