Statement by the Prime-Minister of Georgia

 

On October 1st, 2012 the Georgian Government was elected with a clear mission to create a justice system that the Georgian people deserve, a system that is fair and strong. Thus, we were equipped with a mandate that obliges us to thoroughly perform this task.The Georgian people want an end to the history of impunity that has plagued our country.

The Georgian people demand from the elected government a system that holds all Georgians accountable for their actions no matter their position.

Over the past two years, this government has strongly supported the establishment of the rule of law with the help of our international allies. Judicial independence from the government has increased and politics are removed from the judicial process by making the Office of the Chief Prosecutor an autonomous body, law enforcement agencies and the army is completely depoliticized, the rights of business, private property and the freedom of media are guaranteed; the state provides equal protection to all citizens under the law, an end has been put to the torture in the prisons, the rights of defendants have been enhanced.

Today, without regard to politics, the Chief Prosecutor took an important step in holding those that may have broken the law accountable. This process is absolutely transparent - people of Georgia and those around the world, all our partners and allies will have the opportunity to judge themselves the evidence presented in this serious case.The Georgian Government welcomes fair trial, which is the only way to ensure that Georgia's legal system continues to adhere to the highest international standards. Our ultimate goal is to construct a truly democratic state, where everyone is equal before the law, and not a single person can stand above the law.

 

Irakli Garibashvili

Prime-Minister of Georgia