The Georgian Government’s surprise announcement to scrap the State Inspector’s Service, an independent body that monitors personal data processing and probes into the abuse of power, is drawing sharp criticism.
The head of the Service Londa Toloraria says she was herself taken by surprise and learnt about the Government’s intent from the media.
“The drafting process was completely secret. The State Inspector’s Service itself or indeed international organizations or none of the experts of the field had taken part in it. Of course, it’s questionable, initiating the bill on the weekend and in a rush, without the involvement of the State Inspector's Office and a wider public discussion”, Toloraia told journalists today.
Toloraia also stressed the push coincided with her a maternity leave as well as the holiday period when most the diplomatic corps and leadership of the international community in Tbilisi are on leave.
US Ambassador Kelly Degnan made a point of backing Toloraia by paying a visit today.
Leading CSOs, including the Open Society – Georgia Foundation, the Human Rights Center, Transparency International – Georgia and others slamming the decision and calling the Government to refrain from “orchestrated attacks on independent institutions.”
They also dismissed the Government's line of splitting the Service into two.
“This is nothing but political retaliation against the exceptional institution that has somehow gained public trust in recent years,” reads the statement.
The decision also comes amid the SIS criticism of the Justice Ministry over the release of footage of mistreatment and physical abuse of Georgia’s former imprisoned president Mikheil Saakashvili. Justice Minister Rati Bregadze publicized the footage amid public outcry over Saakashvii’s transfer to Gldani prison in which he was seen dragged by guards half naked.
Saakashvili himself blasted the decision and said the SIS’ criticism over his mistreatment was the trigger.
Saakashvili also said the SIS upcoming report over his abuse during the forceful transfer to Gldani will in itself determine the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg to order his release as interim measure.
“I call the SIS, before they are shut down to manage and publish results of their investigation as well as full footage of my transfer to Gldani which the State Security Service has ordered to destroy and which the SIS was nevertheless able to obtain,” Saakashvili said.
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