2020-09-06
Judicial reforms are taking place consistently in the country, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia stated in response to a reporter's question concerning the Freedom House report.
According to the head of the government, everyone agrees that there is progress in the country with regard to the judiciary.
"We have always maintained this with regard to the judiciary - I have said this many times and I will reiterate one again. Judicial reforms are taking place consistently in the country. As you know, we are preparing for the 4th wave at the moment. We have very close cooperation with our international partners in this regard and everyone agrees that there is progress in the country with regard to the judiciary. Today, this progress is absolutely clear, compared to yesterday. Of course, tomorrow this progress will be even greater," the Prime Minister noted.
In response to a question concerning the case of Giorgi Shakarashvili, the Prime Minister stated that the investigation must ensure that minimal questions remain among the public; however, openly stating one's position will only be possible once this process is over.
As the head of the government pointed out, entering the investigation process is not appropriate.
"You are talking about details. I have said this with regard to all of these cases and I will reiterate once again. Of course, we must allow the investigation to run its course until the very last day and to investigate the case in detail. Of course, the investigation must ensure that minimal questions remain among the public; however, openly stating one's position will only be possible once this process is over. Of course, this is a process, so additional evidence will emerge on many occasions from one side or another. However, entering the investigation process is not appropriate, so we must wait a while," the Prime Minister stated.
When asked: "How would you assess Mikheil Saakashvili's statement concerning his arrival, and how realistic do you consider it to be?" the head of the government answered: "Let him come, let him come."
While speaking to the media, Giorgi Gakharia also discussed the epidemiological situation in the country.
If we know the source, if we know how to treat it, if we are in control of this process, then we should not impose additional restrictions on the economy and our citizens, especially when the election process is underway, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia stated.
As the head of the government noted, if the country is in a much better position than others in terms of dealing with the epidemic and if there is a possibility to reduce the quarantine period without harming the health of citizens, then the country should use it.
"During the last session of the [Interagency Coordination] Council, the Ministry of Healthcare and epidemiologists were instructed to develop several options with regard to quarantine management in terms of duration. We understand very well that if we are in a much better position than others in terms of dealing with the epidemic and if we are implementing this in an effective manner, then, of course, if there is a possibility to reduce the quarantine period without harming the health of citizens, we must use it. Correspondingly, they have received this instruction; we will hold the next session on Monday or on Wednesday and we will learn about the results of the study that they should have conducted. The goal is simple: We, together with the public, have agreed that we must slowly and very carefully open the borders; the economy must begin to move, slowly and very carefully, in order for us to be able to manage the virus effectively. No one, no country taken separately, can defeat the virus alone - this is a global pandemic. The most important thing that we need to do is to learn how to manage the virus; we must not be afraid if, for example, the number of infected people were to increase by 20, 30, or 40. However, if we know the source, if we know how to treat it, if we are in control of this process, then we should not impose additional restrictions on the economy and our citizens, especially when the election process is underway," Giorgi Gakharia stated.
In response to a question concerning Grigol Vashadze's statement, the Prime Minister gave the following response: "The publication of footage depicting the private life of individuals is punishable by law - if such a thing were to take place and if this is not the product of someone's imagination, a case will be initiated and the relevant steps will be taken."
According to the head of the government, if he is in possession of some evidence, he must submit it to the relevant investigative body.
"If he possesses more information that provides some evidence, whether direct or indirect, which would allow the investigative bodies to begin taking action, he must submit this information to the relevant investigative bodies instead of chatting with reporters. Convey these instructions," Giorgi Gakharia stated.
Press Service of the Government Administration