Seven local non-governmental organizations outlined a reform concept of the Georgian judiciary, addressing “institutional and functional problems which obstruct judicial independence and the ability of judges to exercise their professional authority”.
“Georgian judiciary is in a state of severe crisis, caused by years of unsuccessful, fragmented, and inconsistent reforms. Over time, it became apparent that the authorities failed to show the political will to bring about tangible and consistent change. The government’s policies have strengthened the influential group of judges, often referred to as the "clan". Currently, the judicial system serves the interests of the clan, which eventually led to a sharp decline in the independence and public confidence of the judiciary, and subsequently turned the court into a tool of political retaliation.
The Georgian judiciary needs complex and comprehensive reform. This concept aims to facilitate the institutionalization of the justice system, its liberation from informal influence, facilitation for internal democratic processes, and the establishment of the highest standards. The concept paper addresses institutional and functional problems which obstruct judicial independence and the ability of judges to exercise their professional authority competently and with integrity.