Rule of Law, Human Rights and Freedom of Media

Cruel and Ill Treatment of Animals in Georgia

IDFI studied the legislation on animal protection in Georgia and the state of its implementation. For this purpose, IDFI requested public information from relevant state institutions. In addition, IDFI researched international regulations on the subject and got acquainted with the practice of the countries which excel in regards to high animal welfare standards. 

Conflict of Interest in the Nomination Process of Candidates of Supreme Court Justices

Interviews are being undertaken at High Council of Justice for the sake of nomination of candidates of Supreme Court Justices. Zurab Aznaurashvili and Levan Tevzadze are shortlisted candidates. According to a member of High Council of Justice - Nazi Janezashvili, aforementioned shortlisted candidates have close relation with the members of the High Council of Justice - Tamar Oniani and Irakli Shengelia.

Tbilisi City Court Fully Granted the Appeal of IDFI against the National Archives of Georgia

In the decision of April 4, 2019, the Tbilisi City Court fully granted the appeal of the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) against the National Archives of Georgia – LEPL of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia. The court ordered the respondent party to disclose information on the number of applications received with the request of accessing archival documents and relevant decisions taken. The National Archives of Georgia was directed to disclose the information even though they did not process the statistical data requested by IDFI.

Role of the Judges in the Criminal Justice System - The Results of a Qualitative Study

The study aimed to identify the issues in regard to the role of judges that legal professionals (judges and lawyers) find important for ensuring fair, impartial and human rights oriented criminal justice system. 

Access to Court Decisions – Constitutional Court Grants the Appeal of IDFI

Access to court decisions in Georgia significantly deteriorated from October 2015. The balance between personal data protection and access to public information was disrupted as unconditional priority was given to personal data protection.IDFI found that existing regulation on access to court decisions violated the Constitution of Georgia and filed an appeal at the Constitutional Court of Georgia. On June 7, 2019, the Constitutional Court of Georgia granted the appeal of IDFI.  

Threat Posed to Freedom of Expression in Georgia

Compliance with Procedural Time Limits for Considering Cases and Preparing Judgments in Tbilisi City Court - Practice of 2015-2018

The excessive caseload of common courts of Georgia has been a significant challenge for years. Procedural delays in case processing pose a risk of violating the right to a fair hearing within a reasonable period - the right to a fair trial. In addition, the abundance of cases may have an impact on the quality of judgments and their justification.

Increasing Transparency of Archival Documents in Georgia – Legislative Proposal of IDFI

Although transparency and accountability constitute declared proprieties on the political agenda of the Government of Georgia, the country still stands considerably behind in regards with access to historical archives as compared to other Eastern European states.

Perceptions of Prosecutors’ and Judges’ Wheelings and Dealings

Rustavi 2 TV channel broadcasted an investigative documentary Studio Monitor and Radio Liberty produced. The documentary “Judges in the Government’s Service” followed up on the government’s attemptedconfiscation of Constanta Bank from its founders in 2011. It further hinted at alleged misconduct by the prosecutors and judges. CRRC-Georgia conducted a follow-up phone survey to find out whether and how the public viewed the documentary.

Problems Identified in the Judges’ Professional Training System Suggest that Comprehensive Reform of the High School of Justice is Needed

International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) and Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) presented the research on the Judges’ Professional Training System in Georgia. The research provides an overview of the institutional arrangement of the High School of Justice of Georgia (HSoJ) and main challenges related to its work.