Prepared by Messenger Staff
Public Defender Criticizes GD's Push for Restrictive Laws
Public Defender Levan Ioseliani has criticized the Georgian Dream (GD) party's latest push for restrictive laws, warning that the proposed amendments could harm basic freedoms like assembly, expression, and the right to a fair trial.
"These amendments concern the realization of the fundamental rights of assembly, expression, and fair trial and create threats of disproportionate restriction of these rights," said the Public Defender's office in a statement. They pointed out that while amendments might be needed, fast-tracking the review process leaves out key stakeholders and fails to give the public a chance to weigh in.
Ioseliani is calling on the GD-controlled parliament to abandon the expedited review and instead follow the usual procedures, which allow for thorough discussion and consideration. "Adopting amendments on important public issues without appropriate analysis and thorough discussions harms both the legislative process itself and creates risks of restricting constitutional rights," the office added.
The Public Defender's office stressed that rushing through important changes without proper analysis could weaken democratic rights and the rule of law in Georgia.
Kosachev Supports Georgian Dream's Withdrawal from PACE, Criticizes Europe's Relations with Russia
Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Speaker of the Federal Council of Russian Federation has expressed support for the Georgian Dream (GD) party's decision to recall its delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), saying it "deserves understanding and respect." Kosachev argued that Georgia, like Russia, may eventually leave the Council of Europe to follow a path that prioritizes its own national interests.
Kosachev also endorsed GD's stance against the conditions for full PACE ratification, such as holding new elections and repealing the Foreign Agents' law, calling these demands "offensive." He criticized Europe for its handling of Ukraine and Moldova, accusing them of abandoning ties with Russia for benefits like visa-free travel.
He further defended the use of foreign agent laws, pointing out that they exist in countries like the US, UK, France, and Australia. Kosachev claimed that these nations not only decide such matters independently but also try to set agendas for other countries.
