Georgian PM Kobakhidze accuses European bureaucrats of interfering in judicial independence

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused European bureaucrats of attempting to interfere in Georgia’s independent judiciary, describing such actions as unacceptable and contrary to traditional European values.

Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze stressed that no individual or institution had the right to interfere with the independence of the judicial system.

“No one has the right to interfere in the independence of the judiciary, which is precisely what these individuals, these bureaucrats, are attempting to do. This is a deeply regrettable development and directly contradicts traditional European values,” Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister called on those criticizing Georgia’s judicial proceedings to refrain from political interference and base any legal assessments on the relevant court documents and rulings.

“I urge everyone to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from interfering in our independent judiciary. They should first read the lawsuit, then examine the court’s decision, and only on that basis can they make legal comments,” he said.

Kobakhidze emphasized that political statements concerning judicial proceedings amounted, in his view, to direct interference with judicial independence.

“Making political comments is, of course, nothing more than blatant political interference in the independence of the judiciary,” the Georgian Prime Minister stated.