UNM MP: corrupt judges sanctioned by US mustn’t deliver verdicts

Tina Bokuchava, chairperson of the United National Movement faction in the parliament, emphasized on Thursday the importance of developing a “comprehensive plan” for Georgia’s implementation of nine conditions for opening accession talks with the EU. She asserted her party’s commitment to adopting a plan that would “ensure the presence of impartial judges, rather than those who have been sanctioned by the US for corruption”.

Last year, the US State Department imposed visa restrictions on four Georgian judges – Mikheil Chinchaladze, Levan Murusidze, Irakli Shengelia, and Valerian Tsertsvadze – citing their alleged involvement in “significant corruption”.

Bokuchava, with a particular focus on presenting the potential plan to the President, highlighted the importance of adhering to European recommendations as a “cornerstone” for the country’s progress.

“Our faction is actively engaged in formulating a detailed plan consisting of nine crucial steps for Georgia’s development, which we are eager to present to the President,” Bokuchava asserted. She further noted the establishment of a platform under the auspices of the President of Georgia, aimed at fostering collaboration between non-governmental organizations and political parties.

“Currently, our efforts are concentrated on crafting proposals for the establishment of a center dedicated to combating disinformation. It is imperative to address this issue, especially when Ivanishvili’s party [referring to the ruling party] appears to be a primary source of disinformation,” Bokuchava claimed.

She added, “additionally, we advocate for the implementation of a vetting system, a globally recognized integrity test. This system ensures that judicial decisions are made by impartial and professional judges, rather than by individuals tainted by corruption or influenced by political agendas.”