ODIHR releases Trial Monitoring Report on Georgia

WARSAW, 9 December 2014 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today released its Georgia Trial Monitoring Report, concluding ODIHR’s trial monitoring activities in the country. The trial monitoring project began in February 2013 and focused on 14 criminal cases against senior officials of the previous government in Georgia.  

Initiated upon the invitation of the Georgian authorities following a change of government in Georgia in 2012, the trial monitoring project monitored a total of 327 court hearings.

The report provides analysis of compliance with selected fair trial rights, with a focus on identifying shortcomings in court practice and national legislation. Based on this, ODIHR offers concrete recommendations to criminal justice actors on how fair trial rights and the independence of the judiciary can be further strengthened in both law and practice.

“I am confident that ODIHR’s monitoring effort, as illustrated in this report’s findings and recommendations, contributes to the further consolidation of Georgia’s democratic institutions,” said Michael Link, Director of ODIHR. “Georgia is undergoing important reforms of its criminal justice system that will hopefully result in the improved protection of fair trial rights in court proceedings.”

The report identifies concerns related to a number of fair trial rights, including equality of arms between parties and the presumption of innocence. The report also notes shortcomings in legislation, such as issues related to trials in absentia, and the need for improved rules of evidence.

“Trial monitoring has proven to be a powerful tool for supporting judicial reforms and promoting domestic and international guarantees of fair trial rights in many OSCE participating States,” said Thomas Vennen, Head of ODIHR’s Democratization Department. “We stand ready to continue assisting the Georgian authorities in the implementation of the recommendations presented today in our Trial Monitoring Report.”  

The report can be found on the ODIHR website in English and Georgian.