**New Member Elected to Georgia’s Supreme Court**
On May 27, the Georgian Dream parliament chose Archil Kochlamazashvili as a new member of the country’s highest court, the Supreme Court of Georgia. This decision was made with an overwhelming majority of 89 votes in favor and none against.
Archil Kochlamazashvili has spent over two decades working within Georgia’s justice system. Before his election to the Supreme Court, he held various positions in the country’s court administration. From 2006 to 2011, he worked as a court officer at the Tbilisi Court of Appeals. He then served on the High Council of Justice from 2011 to 2015, where he specialized in judicial ethics and evaluated judges’ professional activities.
In December 2020, Kochlamazashvili was appointed as a judge in the Civil Cases Chamber of the Tbilisi City Court for a three-year term. His election to the Supreme Court has come at a time when there is growing concern over the lack of transparency in judicial appointments and the independence of Georgia’s judiciary.
**Criticism Surrounding Judicial Appointments**
The selection process for judges, including Kochlamazashvili’s appointment, has faced criticism from various quarters. The criticism stems from concerns that these processes often lack transparency and can be influenced by political considerations rather than merit or qualifications. This situation has raised questions about the independence of Georgia’s judiciary.
**Commentary**
The election of Archil Kochlamazashvili to the Supreme Court highlights the ongoing challenges facing Georgia’s justice system. While his experience within the country’s court administration is undeniable, it remains to be seen how he will navigate the complexities and pressures that come with serving on the highest court in the land.
Critics argue that such appointments undermine trust in the judiciary and can create perceptions of favoritism or political influence over judicial decisions. In a system where transparency and accountability are essential for maintaining public faith, these concerns cannot be ignored.
**What’s Next?**
As Kochlamazashvili begins his tenure on the Supreme Court, it will be crucial to observe how he addresses these concerns and ensures that judicial appointments are made in a transparent manner, free from political interference. The road ahead promises to be challenging for Georgia’s judiciary, but one thing is certain – the eyes of the nation, as well as international observers, will be watching.
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