It’s unbelievable to talk about corruption without evidence and facts, the Chairman of the Kutaisi Court of Appeal Irakli Bondarenko writes on his Facebook page, responding to the imposition of sanctions by the US on 4 Georgian judges.

“For many years, we have heard from the United States of America the desire to strengthen the court and support it, but the decision to sanction my colleagues and their family members has shown us something radically different. It was the pursuit of the interests of the main power.

When we talk about justice and the rule of law, it is unbelievable to talk about corruption in such a manner, without evidence and facts. It is not about travelling to the US, it is important what message they give citizens, people. I don’t think that this decision serves the desire to increase confidence in the court. It is very sad!” - writes Judge Irakli Bondarenko.