On December 9, while attending an event at Kutaisi State University, Kelly Degnan, the US Ambassador to Georgia, spoke with reporters.
When asked about the current public defender hiring process, the Ambassador emphasized, "As we have seen through the amazing work of Nino Lomjaria and her professional staff at the Public Defender's Office, this is a very essential post." She said it was crucial since it was one of the few independent organizations mandated by Georgia's Constitution to defend every citizen's human rights. Degnan emphasized the significance of having an inclusive selection procedure for the new public defender. "It needs to be done transparently to ensure that whoever is selected as the next public defender is someone who is qualified, who is independent, who is courageous, and who is prepared to take on this tremendous responsibility, mandated by the Constitution to protect the human rights of every Georgian citizen," she added.
When asked about Saakashvili's present health, Kelly Degnan stated that the United States is closely monitoring Saakashvili's illness. She underlined, "We applaud the efforts of the Public Defender's Office, which has done an exceptional job of monitoring his position and ensuring that his rights are safeguarded, visiting him twice in the previous week." The Ambassador underscored that the Georgian government must ultimately guarantee that Saakashvili's physical and mental health is preserved, that his medical requirements are provided, and that his rights, including a fair trial, are maintained. She continued, "We would be checking to see that that duty, that responsibility under the Constitution, is safeguarded."
In response to a question about Georgian volunteers fighting in Ukraine, Degnan said, "I believe it is clear which side the people of Georgia have selected, and that is in solidarity with the Ukrainian people." She added, "These are all things that Georgians know deeply from your own experience with Russian aggression, from your own experience with Russia trying to take away your identity, taking away your territory, and trying to take away your sovereignty." She pointed out that Ukraine is fighting for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its identity and existence as a country. The Ambassador underlined: "I think Georgians truly understand the fight that Ukrainians are enduring to retain their identity, their nation, and their sovereignty." The Ambassador said, "I think it undoubtedly drives some Georgians to want to do what they can to help, whether it's humanitarian assistance or anything else. Georgia continues to face Russian occupation and the ensuing harassment and kidnappings."
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