Georgian PM asserts judicial independence, pledges full protection

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday reiterated his Government's commitment to upholding judicial independence, emphasising that the judiciary remained autonomous and that all necessary measures would be taken to protect its integrity.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze addressed recent criticisms, particularly from British representatives, regarding the state of Georgia's judiciary.

He asserted that those who now challenge Georgia’s judicial system were the same forces that, before 2012, supported what he described as a flawed and corrupt judiciary, in reference to the former United National Movement Government.

“I can remind you what the judicial system in Georgia was like before 2012 and how it has changed since then. I have previously cited statistics - some indicators have improved twofold, threefold, and in certain cases, even twentyfold. The number of cases involving the Georgian judiciary that reach the European Court of Human Rights has decreased threefold, despite the fact that legal culture has significantly improved”, he said.

“This is irrefutable proof not only that the situation in the judicial system has radically improved since 2012, but also that today the Georgian justice system functions healthily”, the PM added.

Kobakhidze addressed recent British sanctions, claiming that the same forces [the deep state] that “once tolerated corruption and injustices in the Georgian judicial system before 2012 are now criticising a reformed and independent judiciary”.

“There is a clear logic here. The very same forces that today act under the name of the United Kingdom to interfere with Georgia’s judicial independence are the ones that, before 2012, fully supported the flaws and injustices within our judicial system”, he concluded.