Anti-Corruption Bureau aims to strengthen observer protection mechanisms

The Anti-Corruption Bureau organized a working meeting on November 22, 2023, to strengthen the observer protection mechanisms. Representatives of various ministries and agencies attended the meeting.

The sides shared their experience with spectator protection mechanisms and discussed plans. As the meeting noted, potential bystanders require legal assistance and counsel. 

Thus, along with strengthening spectators’ protection mechanisms, it is essential to motivate them, advise them on generating the right strategy and, most importantly, find legal assistance.

A trilateral memorandum between the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Legal Aid Service and the Bar Association of Georgia has been signed, which concerns strengthening the observer protection mechanisms.

Within the framework of the memorandum, the parties agreed to jointly promote the development of observer protection mechanisms and harmonization with European law. 

It also intends to develop joint tools to provide free psychological and legal counselling to a caretaker; they have decided to jointly offer professional training for attorneys and public servants involved in the counselling process.

The participants shared experiences and outlined future objectives during the meeting. A key point of discussion centred on the necessity for potential whistleblowers to have access to legal assistance and psychological consultation. 

The Emphasis was placed on the importance of not only strengthening protection measures for whistleblowers but also on inspiring and counselling them on appropriate actions, with a priority on providing legal support.

A significant outcome of the meeting was the signing of a tripartite memorandum between the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Legal Aid Service, and the Georgian Bar Association. 

Under this agreement, the parties committed to collaboratively enhance whistleblower protection measures collaboratively, ensuring their alignment with European legal standards. The memorandum also includes plans for developing joint approaches to offer whistleblowers free legal and psychological support. 

Distinguished members attended the event-

•  Davit Asatiani- Chairperson of the Georgian Bar Association
• David Simonia– Head of the Legal Aid Service
•  Mikheil Sarjveladze- Chairman of the Human Rights Protection and Civil Integration Committee
• David Matikashvili- The First Deputy Chair of the Legal Issues Committee
• Levan Ioseliani- Public Defender of Georgia
• Tornike Cheishvili- Deputy Minister of Justice of Georgia
• Shota Rizhamadze- Head of Anti-corruption Agency of State Security Service of Georgia
• Aleksandre Darakhvelidze- Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia
• Grigol Giorgadze- Deputy Defense Minister of Georgia
• Soso Ramishvili- Head of the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia
• Giorgi Gochashvili- Division of the Criminal Prosecution of Corruption Crimes
• Natia Songhulashvili- Deputy Head of the Special Investigation Service
• Tamta Kachkachishvili and Ana Kalandadze- Deputy Heads of the Anti-Corruption Bureau