Levan Ioseliani, the Public Defender of Georgia, is facing criticism for his handling of a recent wave of protests against the ruling party. The protesters are upset that he downplayed the issue when the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe was discussing the recognition of the Georgian parliamentary delegation‘s credentials.
The protesters have brought evidence of alleged election fraud and police abuse to the Public Defender’s office, labeling Ioseliani as “Public Defender of the Regime.” They also accuse him of being biased towards the ruling party and lacking independence.
Ioseliani has responded by saying that some critics are spreading misinformation, while others are misinformed. He has also dismissed criticism from former staff members, accusing them of defamation and harassment.
However, Ioseliani’s position seems to be shifting, as he now acknowledges that police brutality had a systemic nature, including torture and inhumane treatment. The protesters have questioned whether this is a forced reversal of his previous position or simply legalistic nitpicking.
Ioseliani has also sought to shift the focus away from politically charged topics and towards social and housing issues, which are closer to his past partisan preferences. He has visited social housing facilities and spoken publicly about the problems faced by residents, but still maintains a disdain for his detractors.
The controversy surrounding Ioseliani’s handling of the protests reflects the broader tensions between the ruling party and the opposition in Georgia. The protesters have accused him of being biased towards the ruling party, while Ioseliani has maintained that he is committed to upholding human rights and promoting social justice.