The Coalition made the statement,   on 28th September 2013 and assessed negatively the appointment of judges for a 3-year period and the opportunity of monitoring on an annual basis the activities of judges appointed for the probation  period - both initiatives proposed by the draft. At the meeting with the Coalition members the authors of the draft have produced certain arguments concerning the adoption of the law with accelerated manner. Nevertheless, we believe that making decision on the issue of such importance in such a short period of time, without involving all stakeholders is unacceptable and may prejudice future development of the country’s judiciary system. It should be taken into account as well that the judicial authorities have developed an alternative draft amendments on appointing judges with indefinite term, which means prolonging authority to the judges being in office at present. Said mechanism should also be considered deficient. 

 

Considering all the above we urge the government of Georgia, representatives of judicial authorities and the Georgian parliament to hold the collaborative consulting within the shortest timeframes to discuss and decide on the important issues pertinent to the rule of appointing judges. The parties should ensure that the political consultations will be held with maximal involvement of all stakeholders on one hand, and on the other hand, to make political decisions that will contribute to developing the Georgian judiciary system in a proper way. The Coalition for an Independent and Transparent Judiciary is ready to engage actively in said consultations if needed. 

 

Furthermore, we would like to stress once more that due to holding discussions on these very important issues within unreasonably short timeframes, the Georgian parliament is advised to suspend considering the above-mentioned draft and allow all stakeholders (firstly, judicial, legislative and executive authorities) participate in the process of developing legislative initiatives.

 

Coalition members: