State stands ready to defend national interests in Strasbourg court, asserts Justice Minister

“As state representatives, it remains our bounden duty to engage fully in Strasbourg court proceedings, and Georgia stands ever ready to defend its sovereign interests,” Minister of Justice Paata Salia declared.

Salia made the remarks in response to recent statements by Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, who suggested that potential legal action concerning the ban of political parties could ultimately reach the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Stressing the imperative for international actors to respect institutional boundaries, Salia noted that public officials must remain cognizant of their defined roles.

“Alain Berset is not a judge. First and foremost, everyone must recognise and respect their own function, duty, and authority. While I have not personally heard Mr Berset’s statement, I find it improbable that he would seek to intervene so directly in judicial procedures,” Salia remarked.

Addressing Berset’s assertion that “signs are pointing to the need for European court involvement,” the Justice Minister emphasised that appealing to Strasbourg is a procedural right reserved strictly for the parties involved.

“Whether signs are pointing to European court involvement is for the parties themselves to decide once a ruling is delivered. During the Constitutional Court proceedings, the opposing side signalled their intent to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights—that is entirely their right. The state’s response will depend on the final outcome and the specific substance of any application filed. The Ministry of Justice represents the state across all international arbitrations and tribunals, including the court in Strasbourg,” Salia stated.

When asked whether the ministry is prepared to defend the government’s position before the ECHR, Salia reaffirmed the state’s readiness.

“First, let an application be drafted and formally lodged; then let the court decide on its admissibility. From there, as the government’s legal representative, our duty is to submit our formal response and participate fully in the procedures prescribed by the Strasbourg court. We stand ever ready to defend our state,” Salia concluded.