Public Defender Candidate Refuses to Participate in Pre-Election Hearings

National Defender candidate Nazi Janezashvili says that he is not going to participate in the hearings of the parliamentary commission for the protection of human rights and civil integration. At the same time, she will not withdraw her candidacy, Janezashvili announced this at a briefing that took place today, November 4.

It should be reminded that hearings of candidates for Public Defenders have been held in the Parliament of Georgia since October 25.

Today, the committee was supposed to hold hearings with the participation of Janezashvili. She is one of three candidates nominated by non-governmental organizations in Georgia.

“Initially, my interest in participating in this process was due to the fact that Georgia is now at a very important stage in terms of implementing the 12-point plan, and I felt that this could be exceptional [случаем] and as a result of the compromise, the government could indeed choose a principled, independent and impartial candidate.

However, unfortunately, the hearing process did not leave me with the impression that they really strive to select a candidate who is acceptable to society, independent, principled, qualified and will meet all the requirements that are important for the country,” said Nazi Janezashvili.

Interviews with candidates for the post of Ombudsman in Parliament continue for the second week and will end today.

The current Public Defender’s term of office ends on December 8, 2022.