Rule of Law, Human Rights and Freedom of Media

IDFI Held a Workshop on Regulation of Digital Content in Georgia

On December 8, 2021, the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) with the support of Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation (BST) held a workshop: Regulation of Digital Content in Georgia: Existing Model and Challenges.

The Coalition criticizes the appointment of Supreme Court judges

The Coalition for an Independent and Transparent Judiciary considers the appointment of four Supreme Court judges by the Parliament to be unjustified and damaging. The Coalition believes that the existing rules for the selection and appointment of judges are fundamentally problematic, as they do not sufficiently mitigate the risks of internal and external influences on the process. At the same time, the Parliament makes a final decision based on a single-party vote, in the absence of a broad political consensus. Consequently, in this context, the appointment of four Supreme Court judges further reduces the already deficient trust in the justice system.

The Coalition Reacts to the Commencement of Parliamentary Hearings of Supreme Court Judicial Candidates

The Coalition for an Independent and Transparent Judiciary considers the commencement of parliamentary hearings of Supreme Court candidates unjustified. 

The Coalition calls on the Parliament to properly and timely implement the decision of the Constitutional Court

Access to judicial acts is critical for ensuring judicial accountability. Citizens should have an opportunity to get an accurate idea about ​​the quality of justice, as well as substantiation and fairness of judicial decisions. 

According to IDFI’s assessment, the case of Mikheil Saakashvili is being considered in violation of the right to a fair trial

The third president of Georgia has not yet been given the opportunity to attend his trials. Contrary to the requirements of the law, the Penitentiary Service refuses to comply with a court request to escort him at trials.

IDFI reacts on video footage of violent admission of Mikheil Saakashvili into the 18th penitentiary facility

The government shall respect national and international legislation, rule of law and statehood of Georgia and halt any action that undermines the dignity of the third President of Georgia.

The Coalition Reacts to the Protest of Several Judges

Authorities should immediately transfer Mikheil Saakashvili to an alternative medical facility

The signatory organizations respond to the transfer of the third President of Georgia to Gldani N18 Medical Institution.

IDFI responds to the statement of the State Security Service

The facts cited in the State Securtity Service statements, as well as its legal assessments, raise many questions. SSG can not substantiate either the reality, or the imminence of the threats. Statements look as iftheir sole purpose is to intimidate citizens and create grounds for the intensification of repressive measures by various state bodies

We call on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to immediately explain the detention of Imeda Kldiashvili

Vice-Mayoral candidate of the united opposition in Kutaisi, a member of the “Girchi - More Freedom” party was detained. Footage of the detention was spread through the media and social networks: at the time of the detention, Imeda Kldiashvili remains in his vehicle and has no contact with law enforcement.