“The lack of independence of Georgia’s judiciary and political inference in the judicial system is troubling” – US State Department on Georgia

The Department of State issued a new report on the investment climate in Georgia. US State Department underlines problems with judicial independence.

"The lack of independence of Georgia’s judiciary and political inference in the judicial system, especially in high-profile cases, is troubling. Concerns regarding the integrity of the judicial appointment process and the capacity of the courts to deliver quality outcomes continue to affect investor confidence in the court system. The Government’s hesitance to conduct a full assessment of the judicial system to ensure full compliance with Venice Commission recommendations further undermines faith in the independence of the judiciary", - writes State Department in the report.

State Department mentioned that three current and one former judge are under US sanctions. 

"3 On April 5, the State Department designated three current and one former judge under Section 7031(c) of the FY 2023 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act which prevents these individuals and their immediate family members from entering the United States based on credible information that they had engaged in acts of significant corruption".

The U.S. Department of State’s Investment Climate Statements help U.S. companies make informed business decisions by providing up-to-date information on the investment climates of more than 1​65 countries and economies.