US Sanctions Four Judges for Damaging Georgian Democracy with Their 'Significant' Corrupt Activity
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, April 7, 2023
On April 5, the US made a decision to sanction three current and one former judges of Georgia. The US State Department imposed sanctions on the Chairman of the Tbilisi Court of Appeals, Mikhel Chinchaladze, the member of the Supreme Council of Justice, Levan Murusidze, the Deputy Chairman of the Tbilisi Court of Appeals, Irakli Shengelia, and the former chairman of the Tbilisi Court of Appeals, Valerian Tsertsvadze.
Sanctioned persons are banned from entering the United States and it applies not only to these judges but also to their family members. They had their valid US visas revoked due to 'significant corrupt activity'.
According to the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, sanctioned persons abused their positions and harmed the rule of law and the public's trust in the Georgian judicial system.
"The United States of America continues to support the citizens of Georgia in strengthening democracy and the rule of law, and will continue to ensure the accountability of those who abuse public power for personal gain."
We stand by all judges with the courage and integrity to act impartially and independently," Blinken said.
US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan also explained the reasons for the decision to sanction Georgian judges. In a video address on the matter, she said that the decision was based on reliable. She agreed information that these judges "abused their public office and engaged in significant corrupt activities."
"Through their actions, they disregarded the judicial and public process by offering or pressuring judges to make decisions in favor of their political allies and manipulating judicial appointments for personal gain.
With these corrupt actions, they violated the rule of law and the democratic process and weakened the confidence of the Georgian people in the independence of one of the most important institutions among the democratic institutions of Georgia," said Kelly Degnan.
According to Kelly Degnan, under American law, such important information is the basis for sanctioning.
"All citizens of Georgia deserve justice, the rule of law and the right to a fair and independent court, regardless of their property status, family or political ties. These sanctions reflect the importance of the fight against corruption for America. Corruption and interference in justice hinders Georgia's European integration," the US Ambassador to Georgia said.
