The Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI), with support from Open Society Georgia Foundation (OSGF), held a presentation of the draft law [and the explanatory note on the draft law] and monitoring results of the work of the Constitutional Court of Georgia.

The presentation was attended by representatives of the Georgian Parliament, legal circles and civil society. The event was opened by Levan Avalishvili, Programs Director at IDFI, Eka Beselia, Chairperson of the Legal Issues Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, and Giorgi Chitidze, OSGF Human Rights Program Manager.

Monitoring results were presented by Giorgi Beraia, Head of the Rule of Law Direction at IDFI, who also spoke extensively about the problems of the existing legislation regulating the work of the Constitutional Court that damage its effectiveness and ability to protect fundamental human rights.

“Monitoring of the work of the Constitutional Court of Georgia revealed challenges relating to transparency of court sessions, disciplinary proceedings against judges, openness of court decisions, rational use of state resources, etc.” – Giorgi Beraia.

OSGF Human Rights Program Manager Giorgi Chitidze noted that “it is very important for the work of the Constitutional Court to remain under continuous public scrutiny, because it is the chief constitutional mechanism for the protection of human rights in the country. The Court's activities and its regulatory legislation must guarantee the protection of human rights and adherence to constitutional principles. I hope the Parliament of Georgia will launch a reform in the nearest future to correct existing legal shortcomings and improve the institutional arrangement of the Constitutional Court.” – Giorgi Chitidze.

See event photos here.