The judge members of the High Council of Justice believe that the issue of judicial candidates of the Supreme Court should be considered by the Parliament of Georgia after a thorough and in-depth consideration, which clearly requires reasonable time and relevant procedures, – reads the statement issued by the judge members of the High Council of Justice.

“On December 24, 2018, the High Council of Justice of Georgia submitted judicial candidates of the Supreme Court to the Parliament of Georgia. In this process, the Council acted in accordance with the new Constitution of Georgia and mandate granted by the Organic Law of Georgia on Common Courts. First of all, we would like to clarify the situation created in the Supreme Court of Georgia.

Currently, there are ten judges in the Supreme Court, whereas their number should be at least 28 according to the Constitution of Georgia. For example, in the Chamber of Criminal Cases there is only judge who has more than 300 cases and he is assisted by the judges of the Chamber of Civil Cases. The same situation is in the Chamber of Administrative Cases. It is therefore obvious that the situation is critical.

After the enactment of the new Constitution, the High Council of Justice undertook responsibility for the functioning of the Supreme Court. This was a prerequisite for us to make a decision for submitting the number of judges that is necessary for the functioning of the Supreme Court. At the same time, the High Council of Justice reaffirms that it selected worthy candidates on the basis of their honesty, competence and judicial experience,” reads the statement.