Georgian Parliament Chairman Shalva Papuashvili has spoken out against the presence of ambassadors at court hearings in Georgia. He believes this is an attempt to exert pressure on the country’s judiciary and intimidate judges.
According to Papuashvili, embassy representatives have no business attending court proceedings unless they are there to offer support or advice. However, when they sit with judges who their government has sanctioned, it can be seen as a threat.
“This is not just a matter of disrespect for Georgia’s sovereignty,” said Papuashvili. “It’s also a demonstration of how one country can pressure another to get the outcome they want.”
Papuashvili was also critical of comments made by the Belgian government, which called on the Georgian authorities to respect freedom of assembly and expression. He pointed out that the same government had supported a European Parliament resolution calling for the release of convicted criminals, including Saakashvili.
“There is no democracy without the rule of law,” said Papuashvili. “It seems that some countries don’t care about this in other nations, but want to impose their own views on others.”
Papuashvili’s comments suggest that he believes some foreign governments are interfering in Georgia’s affairs and trying to undermine its judicial system.
Read More @ www.interpressnews.ge