The State Department on Wednesday imposed visa sanctions against four Georgian judicial officials due to their involvement in significant corruption, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a statement, named the officials as Mikheil Chinchaladze, Levan Murusidze, Irakli Shengelia and Valerian Tsertsvadze.

"These individuals abused their positions as court Chairmen and members of Georgia's High Council of Justice," Blinken noted, adding that Washington would continue to stand with Georgians in support of democracy, the rule of law and accountability.

The Secretary further explained that Washington continues to support the citizens of Georgia in strengthening democracy and the rule of law, and will continue to ensure the accountability of those who abuse public power for personal gain:

“We stand by all judges who have the courage and integrity to act impartially and independently.”

Georgia's judiciary is overseen by the powerful High Council of Justice, which is deemed to have been blocking reforms needed for European integration.

Alex Raufoglu

Source - Turan.az

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06.04.2023 12:58