Giorgi Tugushi – “I Will Always Serve the Law and Constitution”

Ana Sheshaberidze

Today, new public defender of Georgia Giorgi Tugushi gave a press-conference and spoke about his plans and priorities.

The Parliament of Georgia elected Giorgi Tugushi on July 31. He had to start his activities as public defender on September 17 but since he was not in Georgia he started his activities today.

Tugushi said he does not plan any radical changes in the public defender’s office though he does not exclude some replacements. He said Sozar Subari was the best public defender. “Sozar Subari had strong directions and I leave them without any changes. I will change only some points where I think I have better opinions. I will try to serve the law and constitution on this position.”

Every field where human rights are violated is important for Giorgi Tugushi. So, he does not intend to change any priorities. “Very often one field is singled out and paid more attention but one concrete human rights field cannot be most important for me.” At this stage, first of all he will work on the report, which was started by Subari and is due to be presented to the parliament in November.

Public Defender introduced his new deputy – Tata Khuntsaria – to the media. She is lawyer. She was head of department for national minorities and worked for the OSCE office in Georgia together with Tugushi for 5 years. She will start her activities at the Public Defender’s office on October 1.

The new public defender made positive impression on his new colleagues. His advisor Archil Talakvadze said he was too sincere and convincing at the press-conference. He gave his first suggestion to Tugushi: “My first suggestion is to maintain and improve the standard that was established by Sozar Subari and to use his experience in the field of human rights and in cooperation with international organizations.”

Although the main priority at the moment is the report, everyday activities of the public defender’s office will not stop and they will receive, discuss and respond to the complaints as before.