Georgia’s Prosecutor General resigns, cites health issues

Irakli Shotadze, the Prosecutor General of Georgia, on Thursday announced his resignation, citing serious health concerns as the primary reason. The announcement was made through a statement distributed by his office. 

Shotadze explained that the decision was based on medical advice, as he faced a complex health condition that necessitated an extended period of treatment. He disclosed that he had been abroad for over a week to begin this medical process, which is expected to last several months.

“Due to a complicated health condition, I have made a decision to leave the position of the Prosecutor General of Georgia. The treatment process will probably last several months, and I have been abroad for more than a week for this purpose,” Shotadze stated. He emphasized the impossibility of continuing his duties under the current circumstances, prompting his resignation.

Shotadze’s resignation brings to a close his five-year term as Prosecutor General, during which he has been a public servant since 2005. Reflecting on his tenure, Shotadze expressed pride in the reforms and developments achieved within the Prosecutor’s Office. He highlighted the strengthening of the institutional independence of the Prosecutor’s Office, which transitioned from a sub-departmental institution of the Ministry of Justice to an independent body. He also pointed out the establishment of the Prosecutor’s Council, which he claimed  plays a crucial role in selecting candidates for the position of Prosecutor General and ensuring transparency through public reports on the office’s activities.

In his statement, Shotadze praised the specialization of prosecutors and investigators, which he said had significantly enhanced the fight against various crimes, including transnational crime, cybercrime, sexual violence against women, money laundering, and organized crime. He cited successful operations conducted in Tbilisi in collaboration with Eurojust and various EU countries as evidence of the progress made.

Shotadze expressed deep gratitude to his colleagues in the Prosecutor’s Office, acknowledging their dedication, professionalism, and support, “which have been instrumental in achieving these successes”. He expressed confidence that the employees of the Prosecutor’s Office would continue their efforts to further develop and strengthen the institution, thereby upholding the rule of law in Georgia.