Georgian PM hails domestic courts in response to US sanctions on judges

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday said he was “proud” of the country’s judiciary and judges, following the United States Department of State’s move last week to sanction three acting and one former Georgian judges for alleged corruption. 

After a meeting with members of the High Council of Justice - an independent body tasked to ensure independence and efficiency of common courts, develop proposals for judicial reform and select and appoint judges across the country -  the PM praised domestic judges as “highly qualified professionals who serve to strengthen our country, protect our sovereignty and national policy”. 

• Georgian PM vows support to judges, highlights “unacceptability” of interference with judiciary

In comments on the sanctions, the PM said the decision had raised “question marks” due to “absence of evidence” backing it. 

The head of the Government also said the country’s authorities had “wilfully avoided any excessive contact” with court representatives over the years to prevent possible allegations of Government interference, but added his team was ready to offer support to the judiciary.

If [...] there is a desire concerning a specific case, I am always ready - as the PM and the head of the Government - to listen to judges and their concerns, and after that we can plan what steps we can take together", Garibashvili said following the meeting.

The Council is generally composed of 15 members, but currently it lacks five non-judge members who should be elected by the Parliament. 

The country’s civil sector and the Council’s former members have accused the body of being “biased” and run by a “clan” over the years - allegations that have been strongly rejected by the Council. 

The US State Department on Wednesday imposed visa restrictions on judges Mikheil Chinchaladze, Levan Murusidze, Irakli Shengelia and former judge Valerian Tsertsvadze for their alleged “involvement in significant corruption”, and said they had abused “their positions as court chairmen and members of Georgia’s High Council of Justice, undermining the rule of law and the public’s faith in Georgia’s judicial system”.

The judges and officials from the ruling Georgian Dream party have called the decision “unfair” and “groundless”.