Rule of Law, Human Rights and Freedom of Media

Open Data Toolkit

Availability of open data in easily processable formats has given journalists a unique opportunity to conduct comprehensive studies of various issues. Combination of various data sets and programmatic analysis has revealed hidden business connections and interests, information about property and income, illegal dealings, and misappropriation of public funds by public figures and high-ranking officials.

IDFI filed an Amicus Curiae Brief regarding the Constitutional Appeal of the Public Defender

Institute for Development of Freedom of Information filed an amicus curiae brief regarding the constitutional appeal of the Public Defender. The constitutional appeal N1459 of November 11, 2019 of the Public Defender challenges the provisionson the Organic Law of Georgia on Common Courts regardingthe selection of the candidacy of a Supreme Court Justice for the nomination to the Parliament by the High Council of Justice.

Presentation of the Report on Institutional and Legal Framework of the Supreme Court of Georgia

On January 23, Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) and Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) presented the report “The Supreme Court of Georgia – Analysis of Institutional and Legal Framework”.

Journalists and Activists for Good Governance – Winners of the Contest of Analytical Articles Were Announced

Assessment of the Judicial Reform - System of Disciplinary Liability of Judges

The Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) and Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center (EMC) presented findings of the report on the judicial reform system of disciplinary liability of judges. The purpose of this document is to assess the system of disciplinary liability of judges in light of the “third wave” reform of the judicial system.

Selection of Supreme Court Judge Candidates: What people in Georgia know and think about the process

Following the constitutional amendments and changes to the organic law of Georgia on common courts, the minimum number of judges at the Supreme Court increased to 28. At the same time, 10-year appointments were changed to lifetime tenures, and the High Council of Justice was given the authority to nominate candidates for parliamentary appointment.

Selection of Supreme Court Judge Candidates

A phone survey to find out people’s knowledge and attitude about the Supreme Court judge selection process was conducted. The survey resulted in 867 completed interviews, and is representative of the adult Georgian-speaking population of the country. The average margin of error of the survey is 2.2%.

IDFI and the State Inspector Service Held a Public Discussion about the Draft Law on Personal Data Protection

IDFI and the State Inspector Service held a public discussion about the Draft Law on Personal Data Protection. The event brought together representatives of the State Inspector Service, the Parliament of Georgia, civil society and media organizations to exchange positions and concerns about draft law.

IDFI Submitted its Opinion to the Parliament Regarding the Draft Law on “Personal Data Protection”

IDFI submitted its opinion to the Parliament regarding the draft law on “Personal Data Protection” initiated on 22 May 2019. The opinion of IDFI covers the following important issues: grounds for processing personal data; grounds for processing special categories of personal data; termination of processing of personal data, erasure and destruction of data;  restriction of processing of data.

Regulating Inadmissible Content – What does the Constitutional Court decision of 2 August 2019 Change

Freedom of expression is a mandatory precondition for the establishment of a democratic State.  Self-actualization of individuals and the development of society becomes impossible without the freedom of expression. Given the role and importance of the freedom of expression in the rule of law, there is a need of creating a legislative framework that allows free exchange of opinions and information.