The Public Defender of Republic of Georgia has warned public institutions and organisations for dismissing officials. He said suspending or dismissing officials for expressing public opinion is unacceptable.
It is worth to note that the since the protest has begun against decision of Georgian government to suspend European Union’s accession talk office is receiving many complaints. As per majority of complaints they are being threatened for expressing their opinions publicly against the arbitrary decision of the Government.
It is also to be noted that, the comments of public defenders came yesterday when he was asked about course of action being taken by officials of the Georgian office of Prosecutor.
He said that the “this trend of dismissing the servants over civil stance “unacceptable”, “illegal”. He further calls all officials to take proper care while taking any action otherwise office will initiate own action as well.”
He while sharing message with public institution said that you should stop this practice immediately. This act of dismissing public servants or directing them to resign voluntarily for openly expressing their public positions or opinions against or in favour of the any government decision is “unacceptable and illegal”.
At the same time, he also said that most of cases of dismissals are being reported since public protests the Government’s suspension of European Union accession talks until 2028 started.
While speaking further about the action taken by his office, he said that we always honour the freedom of expression. Moreover, this applies to workplaces, and public servants have a constitutional right to exercise [it] without any fear or partiality also.
He said any decision by any official of the public office must be within the jurisdiction of the constitutional laws of Georgia. Notably as per information made available so far the public defender will investigate possible violations of labour freedom through exercise of freedom.
According to sources of public defender office they have visited more than 352 persons detained by law enforcement authorities for number of reasons. The authorities have been asked to release all those who have been arrested under preventative custody.
