Georgia’s Prosecutor General highlights country’s reforms against hate crimes, progress, challenges

Irakli Shotadze, the Prosecutor General of Georgia, on Tuesday highlighted reforms carried out by his Office for combating hate crimes, achieved progress and existing challenges at an international conference hosted in Lithuania.

Speaking at the event with invitation of the Prosecutor General of Lithuania, Shotadze shared the “successful” experience of Georgian authorities in combating hate crimes and reviewed statistical and analytical data on hate crimes in the country.

He said “effective response” to crimes motivated by intolerance had been defined as an “important priority” in the 2022-2027 strategy document of the Office, and noted the body had many years of “fruitful cooperation” with international partners and was ready to share its “successful experience” with other states.

The implementation of a strict criminal law policy, the introduction of specialisation of prosecutors and the development of their skills have led to tangible progress. This progress is also reflected in the increased rate of criminal prosecution”, he said.

The official also congratulated his Lithuanian colleagues on their annual professional day and expressed his willingness to deepen cooperation.

The event was attended by Gitanas Nausėda, the President of Lithuania, heads of prosecutor's offices of featured countries, and local and international experts.