Parliamentary Majority Nominated Ucha Nanuashvili for the Position of Public Defender

Shorena Kakabadze, Kutaisi

“We nominated Ucha Nanuashvili for the position of Public Defender considering his past experience and long and successful activities in the field of human rights,” said Manana Kobakhidze, deputy chairwoman of the parliament of Georgia on December 3, after the bureau session where parliamentary majority met candidates for Public Defender’s position.

Having listened to every candidate, the parliamentary majority decided to nominate founder and executive director of Human Rights Center Ucha Nanuashvili as their candidate for the position.

On November 28, three candidates – Dimitry Lortkipanidze, Natia Imnadze and Lia Mukhashavria presented their views during close meeting at the legislative body. On the same day, the majority planned to listen to the fourth candidate Tamar Gurchiani but she arrived at the parliament later, on December 3 and publicly declared that she did not expect the majority and the government in general to nominate her for the position.

Representatives of the parliamentary minority did not attend meetings with the candidates on November 28 and December 3. MP Chiora Taktakishvili from the minority clarified: “Tamar Gurchiani was most acceptable candidate for the minority because unlike other candidates she has experience in this field (human rights). However, the majority broke their promise. They had promised to discuss candidate nominated only by NGOs and make decision in this direction; however it did not happen.”

Parliamentary majority claims they have kept the promise – the candidate was nominated after having listened to every candidate. Besides that, Ucha Nanuashvili was nominated by big part of nongovernmental organizations like several other candidates.

“We promised society that we would hear views and proposals of every candidate and nominate one of them after that. And we kept this promise. We believe it was the most correct and fair decision. Society knows Ucha Nanuashvili as a good professional, man of principles and active person. We are sure he will be good public defender and first of all, he will make decisions independently,” said Manana Kobakhidze.

Prime-Minister of Georgia underlined Ucha Nanuashvili’s candidature several days ago. During his meeting with media, Bidzina Ivanishvili said the parliamentary majority would nominate their candidate after having heard programs of every candidate including Ucha Nanuashvili.

As for Nina Khatiskatsi, who was known as a favorite of the parliamentary majority and whose nomination immediately caused sharp negative reaction from the parliamentary minority, Kobakhidze clarified: “Nina Khatiskatsi was not our final candidate. Although majority supported her, we had to keep our promise. We listened to every candidate and made final decision afterwards.”

Parliament will make final decision at the plenary session on December 7. Before that, parliamentary minority shall also nominate their candidate officially.