The OSCE Moscow Mechanism report on Georgia, published on March 12, 2026, emphasizes the urgent need to restore public trust in the judiciary by strengthening its independence, guaranteeing fair trial rights, and reforming key institutions such as the High Council of Justice, in line with long-standing OSCE and Venice Commission recommendations.
Specifically, the report’s recommendations regarding the right to a fair trial include:
- Ensuring adherence to fair trial standards, including the presumption of innocence, equality of parties, and rapid access to legal aid in criminal proceedings.
- Guaranteeing judicial independence and respect, particularly through reform of the High Council of Justice.
- Ending the placement of defendants in detention cages during trials, unless there is a convincing security risk.
- Ensuring legal representatives have timely access to case files and documents to provide effective support.
- Maintaining transparency of judicial proceedings.
- Reforming administrative offense procedures to prevent detention based solely on unverified police testimony.
The Moscow Mechanism was activated by 23 OSCE member states on January 29, 2026. It is one of OSCE’s strongest tools for responding to serious human rights concerns in member states. OSCE Special Rapporteur Patrik Gyöbeki visited Tbilisi in February, meeting representatives of the government, opposition, and civil society to assess the situation.
