„We appreciated the opportunity to meet with the committee chairs. We raised our concerns about the draft legislation pertaining to the State Inspector Service, in particular provisions that would result in the dismissal of the entire staff of the State Inspector Service. We also questioned the need to rush this through in an expedited fashion. The committee chairs responded to our questions, and I think they took on board our concerns, and I appreciate that“, - US Ambassador Kelly Degnan stated after meeting with the representatives of the Georgian Dream in parliament.
„We also had the opportunity to discuss legislation that would change the disciplinary process in the judiciary for judges, and some of the other amendments to the law in common courts. Again, we raised our concerns that these were being rushed through without an inclusive, consultative process, without talking to stakeholders when these are both very important and sensitive pieces of legislation that deserve broad consultation and time to deliberate: really this is what is in the best interests of Georgia.
Again, in both cases, we urged the committee chairs to delay the process. I was reassured to hear that there is going to be a process beginning in January of consultations on judicial reform and our recommendation or suggestion would be to take any legislative amendments under consideration through an expedited fashion and make them part of a more comprehensive judicial reform assessment.
I hope the committee chairs will take our concerns seriously and will consider delaying both of these pieces of legislation until there can be more comprehensive, broad, inclusive consultation with other stakeholders.
We raised our concerns about the draft legislation pertaining to the State Inspector service“, - US Ambassador Kelly Degnan said.
The State Inspector's Service will be abolished, and Parliament will review the bill as quickly as possible. Two new entities will replace the Inspector's Service: a Special Investigation Service and a Personal Data Protection Service.
The State Inspector's Service, according to Londa Toloraia, is being penalized for its independence. According to her, the idea does not reform, but rather liquidates the State Inspector's Service.
