On May 24, 2021, the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) with support from the European Union (EU), in the framework of the project - Monitoring Covid-19 related public spendings and human rights protection during the state of emergency and after -  held a public discussion – “One year of the de facto state of emergency in Georgia”

On May 23, 2021, one year has passed since the Parliament of Georgia handed over extraordinarily broad powers to the executive to manage the pandemic. The main challenges identified in terms of human rights protection during the identified period were discussed during the public discussion.

Particular attention was paid to the possible disproportionate and discriminatory use of powers vested in the executive branch, weakened parliamentary control, and problems detected in terms of freely exercising the freedom of expression.

Representatives of civil society, state institutions, and activist movements gave oral presentations during the discussion. In particular, the following persons were speakers of the discussion:

- Ana Natsvlishvili,  Member of the Parliament of Georgia

- Tamar Abazadze, Head of Analytical Department, Public Defender’s Office

- Giga Makarashvili, Founder of the “Shame Movement”

- Giorgi Davituri, Senior Lawyer, Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI

After the presentations, a discussion was held, during which each participant was given the opportunity to ask questions to the speakers and to express their position regarding the decision.