Georgia, US initiate deal on mutual legal assistance in criminal cases

Irakli Shotadze (R) said the goal of the agreement was to facilitate investigation of crimes and ensure perpetrators were held accountable for their actions. Photo: Prosecutor General’s Office 

Agenda.ge, 18 Dec 2023 - 12:48, Tbilisi,Georgia

Irakli Shotadze, the Prosecutor General of Georgia, and Bruce Swartz, the United States Deputy Assistant Attorney General, have initiated an agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal cases between the two states. 

Held after talks between the Georgian authorities and representatives of the US Justice and State departments, the start of the initiative marks a “step towards the future signing and ratification of the agreement”, the Georgian Prosecutor General’s Office said on Monday. 

During the initiation ceremony, Shotadze emphasised the “active engagement” of his agency in preparation of international instruments and highlighted their importance in establishing a “strong legal framework for effective collaboration” between relevant authorities of the two states. 

He noted the goal of the agreement was to facilitate investigation of crimes and ensure perpetrators were held accountable for their actions.