US Embassy: abolition of State Inspector’s Service undermined gov’t accountability
The US Embassy adds that the ‘lack of transparent discussion or analysis of the amendments is particularly troubling.’ Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
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The United States Embassy to Georgia has denounced hasty legislative amendments proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, stating that the replacement of the State Inspector’s Service with two new agencies ‘undermined government accountability.’
The Georgian government adopted the bill replacing the State Inspector’s Service, which investigated alleged offences committed by state officials and law enforcement agencies, with the Special Investigation and Personal Data Protection services on December 30, despite the calls of foreign diplomats, NGOs and the opposition to pause the process.
The US Embassy also criticised amendments to the Law on Common Courts, noting that it ‘undermines the independence of individual judges.’
U.S. Embassy Statement on the Ruling Party’s Rushed, End-of-Year Legislation https://t.co/ulZvIBm2Yq
— U.S. Embassy Tbilisi (@usingeo) January 3, 2022
The ruling party undermined faith in the judiciary by appointing yet another Supreme Court judge using a flawed selection process,” the statement reads.
The embassy also states that ‘no credible reasons were provided’ regarding the acceleration of the process and adoption of the amendments ‘without appropriate consultations.’
The US Embassy adds that the ‘lack of transparent discussion or analysis of the amendments is particularly troubling.’
The statement also emphasises the US’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty and stability ‘through long-standing security cooperation and economic development programmes,’ adding that ‘strong democratic institutions and adherence to the rule of law are the country’s best defences against Russian aggression.’
The message is clear: by marginalizing or abolishing all checks against its executive power, the Georgian gov’t aspires to one-party rule. It’s no wonder Georgia’s friends have begun to doubt the gov’t’s Euro-Atlantic bona fides. https://t.co/fJ4RkBR5k1
— Ian Kelly (@ikelly731) January 3, 2022
Steps that weaken democratic institutions, such as the judiciary or independent oversight agencies, damage Georgia’s aspirations for NATO and European Union membership, and undermine the basic freedoms that are the foundation of Georgian culture and society,” the US Embassy says.
Former US Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly has also responded to recent legislative developments in the country, saying that ‘the Georgian government aspires to one-party rule through marginalising or abolishing all checks against its executive power.’
The ruling party however maintains that the replacement of the State Inspector’s Service with two new agencies will strengthen the body and add additional functions to it.
The Georgian parliament has approved a bill to replace the State Inspector's Service with a Special Investigation Service and Personal Data Protection Service in March 2022.
Eighty-one MPs supported the amendments proposed by ruling Georgian Dream party MPs in its third and final reading in the 150-member legislative body.
European Parliament member Viola von Cramon has called the possible adoption of a bill proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party replacing the State Inspector’s Service with two new agencies 'disturbing'. MEP Cramon stated that the Georgian government is ‘trying to abolish’ the Inspector’s Service, calling it ‘one of the most professional and well-functioning state institutions.’
US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan has stated that ‘there is no need to rush’ with adopting a bill proposing to replace the State Inspector's Service with two new agencies, calling on the Georgian parliament to slow down the process.
Ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party MP Mamuka Mdinaradze has stated that the GD has proposed splitting the State Inspector’s Service into two agencies because the investigative and personal data protection functions are ‘not compatible with each other.’
Ruling Georgian Dream party Head Irakli Kobakhidze has stated that the US Embassy’s statement, which criticises GD for the abolition of the State Inspector’s Service, ‘shakes the confidence of the Georgian public in western partners.'
Several NGOs have released a statement earlier today calling on Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili to veto a law adopted by the parliament on December 30 which replaces the State Inspector’s Service with two new agencies.
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has approved a bill adopted by the parliament on December 30 which replaces the State Inspector’s Service with two new agencies despite calls for a veto.
Georgian State Inspector Londa Toloraia has said that she will appeal against a recently approved bill to replace the State Inspector's Service with two new agencies to the Constitutional Court of Georgia and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan has said that she shares Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili's concerns about a bill to replace the State Inspector's Service with two new agencies, noting that Georgia needs the experience of 'impartial professionals' like the State Inspector.
The first sessions of election commissions of candidates for the chairmanship of two new agencies: Special Investigation and Personal Data Protection services, replacing the State Inspector’s Service will be held today, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced earlier today.
The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) calls on the Georgian government to suspend the law abolishing the State Inspector Service, the agency investigating violations by authorities and law enforcement, Georgian Public Defender Nino Lomjaria announced earlier today.
The United States Embassy in Tbilisi on Thursday said it was looking into reports of an altercation during celebrations for the country’s Independence Day on the Embassy compound earlier during the day.
The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia on Tuesday said it had launched an investigation into alleged acts of violence and threats which involved members of Georgian Parliament on the grounds of the United States Embassy in Tbilisi on June 30.