It is widely known that a video archive is stored in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, which, alongside other records, contains images of certain people’s private life. Although the officials have made statements about the destruction of the video archive, it still remains within the Ministry. In view of the high public interest and the diversity of opinions, we, the signatory NGOs, find it necessary to state a correct legal position on the issue.

On June 27, the media highlighted how the Ministry of Finance’s Investigation Department restrained the freedom of action of City Hall and City Council officials and took them into the Ministry for interrogations. These officials claim that they had been suddenly stopped while driving by people in civilian clothes.  They were told that they were being detained; they were then handcuffed, had their mobile phones taken away, and were transported to the police station.

The present document outlines joint opinion of non-governmental organizations about proposed amendments to Organic Law of Georgia about Political Unions of Citizens. Notably, the proposed draft is reflective of some of the NGOs’ recommendations, which we welcome.

Regulation of vote buying is rather ambiguous and unforeseeable; further, definitions and applicable sanctions are stipulated by three different legislative acts, which necessitate harmonization of the existing regulations with one another.