US sanctioning Georgian judges “absolutely unacceptable” – Vice Parliament Speaker

It is categorically unacceptable when judges are sanctioned, Archil Talakvadze, the vice speaker in the Georgian parliament said on Thursday in response to the move of the US Department of State to impose sanctions on four senior Georgian judges. 

 

“Of course, it is not fair in view of our relations to use such an instrument, and I would say, it is categorically unacceptable when judges are sanctioned, when there are such high-level strategic relations, partnerships between our countries. This needs to be considered very seriously”, he said. 

 

The US Department of State on Wednesday said senior Georgian judges Mikheil Chinchaladze, Levan Murusidze, Irakli Shengelia, and Valerian Tsertsvadze had “abused their positions as court Chairmen and members of Georgia’s High Council of Justice, undermining the rule of law and the public’s faith in Georgia’s judicial system”. 

 

“The United States continues to stand with all Georgians in support of democracy and the rule of law and will continue to promote accountability for those who abuse public power for personal gain.  We stand with all judges who have the integrity and courage to act impartially and independently”, it added. 

 

US State Secretary Antony Blinken tweeted following the decision that  “today I designated four Georgian former and current officials for significant corruption, making them ineligible to enter the United States. We stand with the government and people of Georgia in their efforts to advance transparency and democratic governance”.