The exclusion of ISFED, one of Georgia’s most trusted and experienced election observation organizations, from the Parliamentary working group on election reforms directly contradicts the European Commission’s recommendation that Georgia “ensure the involvement of civil society in decision-making processes at all levels.” ISFED was selected by its peer organizations to represent civil society at the …

Last week, the ruling party undermined government accountability by abolishing the State Inspector Service, which is mandated to investigate police abuse and protect data privacy, undermined the independence of individual judges by amending the Law on Common Courts, and undermined faith in the judiciary by appointing yet another Supreme Court judge using a flawed selection …

The U.S. Embassy is disappointed that, once again, Parliament is moving forward with Supreme Court appointments before it has completed an independent assessment of the previous waves of judicial reform, as Parliament’s leaders agreed to do.  We are also concerned that judicial appointments are proceeding without the participation of non-judge members of the High Council …

On October 31, while the country was focused on the municipal elections, the Judiciary selected two new members to the High Council of Justice, replacing the previously unannounced early resignation of two sitting members. The process was neither competitive nor transparent. A single candidate was offered for each vacancy. There was little advance notice of …

The United States extends its heartfelt condolences to those who have been affected by the apartment building collapse in Batumi. Our embassy community will keep those injured and missing, and those who perished, in our hearts and minds. We salute the rescuers who are working tirelessly to save lives and help as many people as …

The United States Embassy congratulates the people of Georgia and the thousands of election workers and professional domestic observers who participated in the October 2 elections.  The high voter turnout despite the COVID-19 pandemic is indicative of the continued commitment of the people of Georgia to democracy and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic path.  Municipal elections matter because …

Parliament’s July 12 decision to approve six Supreme Court judicial nominations, despite an explicit agreement by Georgia’s political leaders in the April 19 Agreement to “refrain from making appointments to the Supreme Court under existing rules”, is extremely disappointing. Unfortunately, this nomination and appointment process, and the failure to undertake inclusive, comprehensive judicial reform, fell …

We are deeply disappointed by the ruling party’s rushed passage of amendments to Georgia’s Administrative Violations Code today. Expedited passage of these amendments was unnecessary and unhelpful. The lack of meaningful consultation with opposition parties, civil society and other stakeholders raises questions about the purpose of the amendments. The April 19 agreement among Georgia’s political …

We welcome the resumption of contacts as a sign of willingness to continue consultations to reach a broad-based agreement. We reiterate the necessity for all parties to compromise with each other.

The current dangerous situation following the Melia ruling stems from decades-long problems with the electoral system and the judicial system. It is imperative the authorities and opposition exercise maximum restraint this morning. The way to address the important issues at stake is through peaceful negotiation. We urge all involved to remain calm and avoid violence.

We call on the authorities and the opposition to exercise maximum restraint in the wake of tonight’s ruling. Violence serves no one except those who want to undermine Georgia’s stability. This must be resolved peacefully.

U.S. Embassy Tbilisi condemns the sentencing of Georgian citizen Zaza Gakheladze to 12 years and six months in prison, after Russian-led security actors shot and detained him nearly seven months ago along the South Ossetia administrative boundary line.  We reiterate that the dangerous Russian actions taken to wound and detain Mr. Gakheladze would not have …

Joint statement by the facilitators to the political dialogue on the passage of amendments to the electoral system (June 29)   We warmly congratulate the Parliament of Georgia on today’s adoption of Constitutional amendments designed to increase parliamentary pluralism and allow for a more representative legislature. We recognize that these amendments reflect difficult compromises by …

U.S. Embassy statement on the anniversary of June 20 events (June 20) June 20 marks one year since thousands marched on Rustaveli Avenue to protest Russia’s continued occupation of Georgian territory. As we mark this day, on which hundreds were injured, we stand with the Georgian people and their calls to end Russian aggression and …

U.S. Embassy Statement on Political Dialogue and Conviction of Opposition Leader (February 11) The U.S. Embassy supports the political dialogue between Georgia’s governing party and opposition representatives aimed at reaching an agreement on an election system that best serves the Georgian people.  The U.S. Embassy is disappointed that the timing and context of the conviction …

Statement after meeting in Washington (December 23)   Following recent meetings in Washington between Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Kent and the Georgian Dream delegation led by Deputy Speaker Kakha Kuchava, the U.S. Department of State released the following statement: Democratic Developments in Georgia The United States supports a secure, prosperous, and democratic Georgia.  …

U.S. Embassy’s statement on supreme court nominees (December 12)   Over recent months the U.S. Embassy has closely watched the process of selection of Georgia’s Supreme Court justices for lifetime appointments. In May we expressed disappointment at Parliament’s adoption of selection procedures that failed to incorporate many of the recommendations of the Venice Commission, OSCE/ODIHR, …