The Parliament of Georgia reviews MP Koba Davitashvili’s initiative on introducing amendments to the Law of Georgia on Prosecutor’s Office and some other laws, targeting to reform the system of the prosecutor’s office. The key issue, that needs to be attained within the framework of the reform, is to ensure political neutrality of the prosecutor’s office. To this effect, removal of the criminal persecution and prosecutorial supervision functions from the Ministry of Justice is a decisive step, nevertheless insufficient.
2013-05-30 02:12 See moreIDPs’ initiative group has applied to GYLA with a view to study and assess recent developments in the government of Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia. Considering the wide public interest (especially from IDPs’ side), we deem it necessary to release a public statement on the issue, after studying the facts of the case. In particular, following events have taken place in the government of autonomous republic of Abkhazia: On April 5, 2013 Giorgi Baramia, the head of government of Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia applied to the High Council of Autonomous Republic with request of resignation.
2013-05-28 04:01 See moreBy responding again to the developments taken place at the Freedom square and its nearby territories on May 17, 2013 the undersigned organizations want to attract attention of public on the significance of protecting constitutional equality principle, on the causes of such adverse acts and the negative effects that might follow them. Firstly, as already mentioned in initial evaluation of the observer organizations, the measures which had been put in place by the police to ensure safety of participants at the rally on international day against homophobia and transphobia and selected strategy were inadequate. It is evident that the conduct of radical groups went far beyond the scope of “peaceful rally” and turned into illegal and violent conduct, which jeopardized public order and put at risk lives, health and security of individual citizens. Police response to the violence of counterdemonstrators was also ineffective that caused uncontrolled violence of different aggressive groups in Tbilisi Streets and embedded the fear of insecurity in population.
2013-05-24 11:22 See moreGYLA is extremely concerned with the prisoner L.K.’s death and expresses its condolences to the family of the diseased. As it became known to the society, on May 12, 2013 the convicted, in critical health conditions, suffering numerous bodily injuries was transferred from Geguti No.14 penitentiary to Z.Tskhakaia National Center of Intervention Medicine of Western Georgia, where he died on May 23.
2013-05-24 08:48 See moreAccording to the information released today, the Ministry of Interior of Georgia has charged two clerics participating in the May 17 incident on the Rustaveli Avenue. These persons are accused of unlawful infringement and obstruction of the right to assembly or manifestation with the use of violence (Article 161.1 of the Criminal Code).
2013-05-23 12:37 See moreArguably the peaceful transition of power that took place after the conclusion of the October 1, 2012 elections significantly enhanced the development prospects of Georgia. It without a doubt represents an important precondition for the continued advancement of the country. However, it is still not enough. At this stage, the strengthening of democratic institutes and the establishment of active, healthy and rational relations remains of critical importance.
2013-05-23 10:12 See moreAmendments were introduced to the Organic Law on Common Courts, which is of a decisive importance in reforming judiciary and for ensuring its independence. The rule of manning the High Council of Justice has changed considerably, the procedures became more transparent and democratic. NGO were given chance to nominate candidates, that are not judges, for membership in the High Council of Justice and to submit them to the Parliament.
2013-05-22 06:02 See moreThere are no accurate statistics about the number of homeless families living in Georgia. The homeless people have been particularly active in reminding the state of their existence following the October 2012 elections, when they occupied a number of buildings in Tbilisi, staged protest rallies, both illustrating the seriousness of the problem and calling on the state to take measures to provide housing. It is not my intention to discuss effectiveness of their protest; instead, I am going to address the state policy to remedy the problem.
2013-05-20 02:26 See moreOn May 17, the state failed to ensure conduct of the scheduled event for marking the day against homophobia and transphobia, and thus rights of rally participants to assembly and manifestation were grossly violated. In view of the number of counterdemonstrators, their uncontrolled conduct and possible risks, selected police strategy was inadequate and ineffective for ensuring security of rally participants.
2013-05-17 12:12 See moreThe round table “Ill-treatment and old and new challenges” was arranged on May 17, 2013 in Courtyard Marriott. The event took place in the framework of GYLA and Public Defender’s joint project “Improvement of Prisoners’ Rights –Joint Advocacy.”
2013-05-17 07:26 See more