**Georgia’s Transparency Under Threat: Ombudsman Warns Against Rushed Legislative Changes**
The Public Defender of Georgia has sounded the alarm over proposed legislative amendments that could significantly undermine the transparency of the country’s justice system. The changes, currently being reviewed by Parliament under an expedited procedure, would remove essential guarantees that ensure court proceedings remain open to the public.
According to the Ombudsman, the bill fundamentally alters the principle of public access, replacing openness with restriction as the new standard. This would limit media access to judicial processes and damage the transparency of the justice system in Georgia. The Public Defender urges Parliament not to review these amendments under an expedited procedure but rather to discuss them through the standard procedure set forth by the Rules of Procedure.
**A Threat to Media Freedom**
The proposed legislation would reinstate regulations that were in place from 2007 to 2013, prohibiting photo, film, video recording, and broadcasting of court proceedings unless carried out by the court or an authorized party. The Public Defender strongly criticized this type of regulation in a 2007 parliamentary report, arguing it would seriously impair both the transparency of justice and media access.
**Why This Matters**
The removal of these guarantees would have far-reaching consequences for Georgia’s justice system and media freedom. The ability of journalists to cover court proceedings is essential for ensuring accountability and transparency within the judicial process. By limiting media access, Parliament would be compromising a fundamental aspect of democracy.
As the Public Defender emphasizes, fast-tracking these legislative changes does not allow for meaningful participation and engagement, which significantly harms the legislative process. It’s crucial that Parliament prioritizes transparency and public discussion in reviewing these amendments.
**What’s at Stake**
The proposed changes would erode the trust between citizens and the justice system in Georgia. By restricting media access and undermining transparency, Parliament would be compromising a core aspect of democracy. The Public Defender’s call for a standard procedure review is timely, given the importance of ensuring meaningful participation and engagement in the legislative process.
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