GYLA implemented post election monitoring in Tbilisi and 36 district election commissions. In case of revealing violation, GYLA applied to district election commissions and courts with relevant complaints. In the moment of submitting complaints GYLA paid particular attention to liability of commission members who violated law, as to the tool for preventing further violations. It should be noted that post elections day complaints mainly concerned technical gaps, such as filling out election documentation incorrectly/incomprehensively. Number of complaints was written regarding filling out the summary protocol and the control sheet incorrectly. In addition, the complaints were submitted on failure to observe certain procedural issues, such as problems with the seal of the precinct election commission or submission of unstamped log book or registration book and etc.
2013-11-08 05:08 See moreBeneficiary of GYLA’s legal aid, a public school teacher illegally dismissed from work was restored to her former position based on court’s ruling Lawyer of GYLA’s office in Tbilisi was defending interests of a former public school teacher, M.G., who was also a member of the board of trustees of the public school. In 2011 the school principal terminated her labor contract and dismissed her from school in gross violation of law, and without consent of the board of trustees. M.G. also had not received her compensation in the amount of GEL 400 for tutoring classes. The applicant filed in court seeking annulment of the order of dismissal, compensation for forced absence and tutoring.
2013-11-08 05:06 See moreGYLA and Article 42 of the Constitution expressed interest to the information released by mass media which reported that Zaal Adamia, the deputy head of Rutstavi Police of the Ministry of Interior has abused physically Vasil Lomsadze. At the same time, Vasil Lomsadze applied to GYLA with similar allegations and asked for legal assistance. We have studied case materials and observed that: On October 27, 2013 Vasil Lomsadze was detained in Rustavi by police officers of the Rustavi police department No.2. He was accused as per Article 3531 of the Penal Code of Georgia (attack on police).
2013-11-08 02:02 See moreSince some days before the 2013 Presidential Elections, much has been said about the millions spent from the President’s Reserve Fund. Representatives of the ruling party allege that funds from the President’s Reserve Fund were spent for political party purposes, namely, for the benefit of the United National Movement. President’s administration, however, has its counter argument, stating that activities funded from the President’s Reserve Fund were not envisaged in 2013 state budget and nobody undertook obligation to cover such expenses.
2013-11-07 08:42 See moreThe below signatory organizations express our negative attitude once again in terms of the draft initiated in the Parliament qualifying public expression of hatred towards sacred objects, religious organizations, clergymen or worshippers by an individual, aimed at hurting religious sentiments as administrative offence and envisaging subsequent administrative liability. In addition, illegal interference in divine service or religious rights or defile of religious constructions or other sacred objects, any inscriptions thereon or/and their injury should also be qualified as administrative offence.
2013-11-07 07:54 See moreOn October 7, 2013 22 former employees from the local council applied to GYLA for legal assistance. In the application they have noted that in September they were released from the office under the motive of structural reorganization and asked to determine the legality of their dismissal. GYLA studied the application, submitted documents and requested from the local council additional information. On the basis of the documents we can conclude that they have been dismissed in violation of law. The opinion is underpinned with the following circumstances:
2013-11-07 05:39 See moreMedia Advocacy Coalition objects to the November 5, 2013 decision of Ajara High Council which completely ignored “the Law on Broadcasting” and violated quota system envisaged by the law for election of members of the Board of Trustees of Ajara TV and radio. Members of the “Georgian Dream” disallowed minority members to nominate their candidates for the membership to the Board of Trustees, as provided by the “Law on Broadcasting”. As a result, by the decision of November 5, 2013 the Board of Trustees of Ajara TV was manned by one-party principle.
2013-11-06 02:52 See moreThe below signatory civil society organizations disapprove of the legal draft submitted to the parliament that imposes administrative liability for hurting religious sentiments. The Parliament of Georgia is currently reviewing a bill qualifying public expression of hatred towards sacred objects, religious organizations, clergymen or worshippers by an individual, aimed at hurting religious sentiments, as administrative offence and envisaging subsequent administrative liability. We believe that the bill falls short of Constitutional and international human rights standards, and is essentially harmful to freedom of expression, and the development of pluralistic, liberal and democratic society in the country.
2013-11-02 01:42 See moreStarting from the date of its foundation in 1994, GYLA is active in monitoring legislative, executive and local government’s elections and strives to support peaceful and fair conduct of elections with full observance of Georgian legislation. On October 27th, the Presidential Election Day, GYLA observed election process in 8 regions and 36 election districts with more than 400 observers. Moreover, GYLA had observers at the polling stations in the Great Britain and Germany.
2013-10-28 04:37 See more