Pursuant to the request of the Public Defender of Georgia OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) will monitor the selection process of the Supreme Court Judges.

Constitution of Georgia stipulates that the Supreme Court consists of 28 judges. Currently 20 positions are vacant – for the first time in Georgia’s history, selected Supreme Court Judges will be appointed for lifelong tenure.

Parliament of Georgia adopted the law determining selection criteria of Supreme Court Judges on May 1. Based on these norms, applications for 20 positions were submitted during May 11-31 with 144 individuals applying. High Council of Justice shall select candidates out of this list and present them to the Parliament of Georgia for the final decision. Undoubtedly, selection of Supreme Court judges in a fair manner is one of the most important issues – this process will determine the future of our country for decades.

Due to the high importance of selecting Supreme Court judges, Public Defender of Georgia addressed the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights on May 27 to monitor the process. Legal opinion and recommendations published by the same organization on April 17 pursuant to the request of the Public Defender on the selection of Supreme Court judges and initiated draft law respectfully shall be considered too. Monitoring of selection of judges will be a logical continuation of this process. According to the letter dated May 30, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights expressed its readiness to monitor selection process and its compliance with both national legislation and international standards and best practice.

In the framework of its competence, Public Defender of Georgia also plans to observe the process of selection of judges and application of main principles and norms regulating the issue in practice.