Representatives of Human Rights Center met the chairwoman of the Supreme Court of Georgia Nino Gvenetadze and heard her views about the use of the new rule of witness interrogation in practice.
Human Rights Center is studying the practical use of the new rule of the witness interrogation. The survey aims to promote transparent and effective functioning of the new rule of witness interrogation. The research will reveal positive and negative sides of the new rule of witness interrogation. After identification of the miscarriages in the practice, Human Rights Center will elaborate recommendations and advocate them with respective state institutions.
On February 20, new rule of witness interrogation went in force, which implies compulsory interrogation of witness in front of a magistrate judge. The survey already identified several problematic issues when the witnesses are still rarely interrogated in front of the judges that raises some questions. According to the information provided by the Supreme Court of Georgia, from March 1 to September 16, 2016, only 20 witnesses were interrogated in front of the magistrate judges in Georgia. In 13 cases the witnesses were questioned in the Tbilisi City Court.
The Chairwoman of the Supreme Court of Georgia Nino Gvenetadze noted during the meeting with the representatives of Human Rights Center, that the judiciary system was ready for the new rule. At the same time, after the new norms of the law went in force, they expected that more witnesses will be questioned in front of the judges. Meager practice really raises questions that may be connected with the low public awareness about the new rule.
Nino Gvenetadze promised to support Human Rights Center in the survey process. Consultation Council of the Supreme Court will invite the judges with respective practice and open a discussion about the practical use of the new rule of the witness interrogation. Afterwards, the Supreme Court will share their positions with the interested NGOs.
Human Rights Center