**150 Ministry of Defense Employees Fired in Georgia**
The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) says 150 employees were fired from the Ministry of Defense. The GYLA believes most of these people were let go for political reasons.
According to GYLA, many of those who lost their jobs signed a petition in November supporting Georgia’s European course and disagreeing with the government party’s decision to stop EU membership talks. The group says there was no warning before the firings, and some units were completely eliminated.
**Disputes Over Firing Process**
GYLA argues that the way these employees were fired is unfair and goes against judicial practice. The group also claims that a recent amendment to an order by the Minister of Defense allows for firing based on age, which should be decided by law, not ministerial decree.
The Public Defender’s Office says it has consulted with 41 people who lost their jobs in the public service since December. Eight cases of alleged discrimination are being investigated.
**Concerns Over Human Rights**
Local human rights organizations have criticized the government for making it easier to fire public servants. They say this is a way to suppress dissenting voices and silence critics. Since December, about 400 civil servants have been fired from various state institutions.