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GYLA held presentation of the research on proactive disclosure of public information

On December 19, 2013 GYLA held presentation of the research “Proactive disclosure of public information” providing information about current trends in Georgia, as well as the international practice.  

2013-12-19 05:02 See more

Presentation of the GYLA’s Research – “Freedom of Expression, Analysis of Media Condition in Georgia”

GYLA’s Media Legal Defense Center conducted a research in Georgia on freedom of expression and analyzed media’s condition in terms of freedom of expression in the period of January 2006 - October 2013.   The research aims to reveal legislative and practical gaps in terms of mass media and to encourage freedom of media in the country.  

2013-12-18 08:41 See more

Investigation should start based on Ivane Merabishvili’s Statement

According to the information released by media and provided by GYLA’s court monitors (who attended the trial personally), the accused Ivane Merabishvili stated that on Saturday,  December 14, some unidentified individuals took him away blindfold from the penitentiary department on a car to the unknown direction.        As Merabishvili reports, he was brought allegedly to the penitentiary department, where the Prosecutor General and one other individual met him.  Merabishvili says that the Prosecutor General demanded from him to cooperate on Zhvania’s case and to submit Saaakashvili’s bank accounts, in return he promised assistance in leaving the country. Otherwise the prosecutor threatened with creation of unfavorable conditions in prison and arrest of Merabishvili’s friends.       

2013-12-17 08:27 See more

GYLA applied to the UNESCO concerning the pending amendments to the law on “Cultural Heritage”

As it is known to public, the government of Georgia submitted to the Parliament the draft which introduces amendment to the law on Cultural Heritage and changes significantly applied regulation on cancelation of the status to the monument.    

2013-12-17 07:24 See more

GYLA’s Media Legal Defense Center voices its position on the ongoing proceeding in the Georgian National Communications’ Commission (GNCC) in terms of annulment of radio broadcasting license granted to “Energy Group” LCC (radio Zeniti)

In the framework of the competition announced for issuing license on application of the radio frequency, on August 26, 2013 the Georgian National Communications’ Commission announced “Energy Group” LCC a winner and granted the license on radio broadcasting. “Broadcasting Company Hereti” LCC also participated in the competition. The company challenged August 26, 2013 decision of the Commission, as adopted with violation of law and claimed transfer of the license to “the Broadcasting Company Hereti” LCC.   

2013-12-17 03:57 See more

Statement of Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy and Transparency International – Georgia about Rules for Electing Mayors and Governors and Scope of their Authority

Draft of the Code on Local Self-Government submitted to the Parliament of Georgia introduces an important initiative of direct elections for offices of Governors (Mayors), which we have been advocating for a long time. Regrattably, the proposed draft also contains a provision that weakens the importance of the institute of elected Governors and Mayors.  In particular, Article 48 of the Code envisages a motion of no confidence against elected Governors (Mayors). The motion can be raised by more than half of member of Sakrebulo on current nominal list or 20% of registered voters in the municipality.  

2013-12-16 03:51 See more

GYLA disapproves of postponement of competitions in local self-government agencies

Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association submitted to the Parliament legal opinion on the draft amendments to the law on “Civil Service”. Gia Zhorzholiani, MP is the author and initiator of the draft. The initiative envisages extension of the tenure for acting civil servants of local self-government and accordingly postponement of competitions on vacant positions, which affects negatively stability of the civil service and its further development.  

2013-12-12 01:23 See more

Address to the Prime Minister of Georgia

It should be noted that elaboration of the final version of the Civil Service Reform Concept and its further implementation is among the key issues of the state’s political agenda. It is the obligation of the Civil Service Bureau to elaborate operational standards, instructions, other methodological and normative documents and drafts of legislative proposals.  Furthermore, the competences of the bureau also include other important issues, in particular acceptance and publication of property declarations of high public officials, examination of the applied practice of civil servants’ recruitment, attestation, promotion and dismissals and development of relevant recommendations. In general, effective, transparent and consistent operation of the Civil Service Bureau makes important impact on state’s public policy.  

2013-12-12 01:22 See more

Human Rights Committee of the Parliament Reviews GYLA’s Legislative Proposal about Victims of Political Repression

Today, Human Rights Committee of the Parliament of Georgia reviews GYLA’s legislative proposal on introducing amendments and additions to the Law of Georgia on “Declaration of the Citizens of Georgia as Victims of Political Repression and on Social Protection.” The amendments are aimed at ensuring due recognition of the rights of victims of soviet repression, their protection and realization in practice.  

2013-12-12 01:21 See more

GYLA Voices its Position on Dismissal of Employees from the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia

Some senior officials dismissed from the Prosecutor’s Office after appointing the new Prosecutor General applied to GYLA. As they reported, they were asked to write applications on resignation. The demand was mainly voiced by Giorgi Gabitashvili, the new deputy prosecutor general. He summoned prosecutors to his room and asked them to write letters of resignation. However, as the applicants allege, none of them were explained the reason.   

2013-12-11 07:34 See more