Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement expressing “concern” over recent remarks by European Union officials regarding legal proceedings underway at the Constitutional Court of Georgia. The case concerns the commencement of hearings on a lawsuit filed by the ruling team seeking to ban five opposition parties.
“The Ministry considers that questioning the legitimacy of judicial proceedings and assessing the trial before the case has been heard on its merits represent an attempt to exert improper pressure on a constitutional institution and interference in Georgia’s internal affairs, whereas respect for the rule of law requires allowing the court to hear the case independently, in accordance with the Constitution and applicable legislation of Georgia.”
The ministry also noted with concern the statements and rhetoric of EU officials regarding domestic political and legal processes in Georgia, “which impedes an objective assessment of ongoing developments and complicates constructive cooperation between Georgia and the EU.”
The Foreign Ministry urges all relevant officials to refrain from statements and actions that could prejudge judicial decisions or be perceived as interference in the work of independent constitutional institutions, and to adhere to the principles of the rule of law, judicial independence, and mutual respect, the statement reads.
The day before, on 19 October, European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand stated that banning the parties jeopardises the protection of fundamental freedoms, democratic pluralism, and fair political competition.
“The European Union is closely monitoring the proceedings initiated to ban five key opposition parties, including, of course, the hearings before the Constitutional Court of Georgia.
This process, alongside recent legislative changes and earlier statements regarding the prohibition of opposition parties, points to an alarming use of the judicial system for political purposes.
This threatens fundamental freedoms, democratic pluralism, and fair political competition. In this regard, we are closely following developments and will continue to observe the consideration of this lawsuit,” Wigand noted.
