At present, about 150 people have been dismissed from the Ministry of Defense, some of whom are receiving legal assistance from GYLA, the Georgian Young Lawyers' Association reports.

According to them, the cases studied revealed that the reorganization of the agency began without informing employees and thoroughly studying the issue, some structural units were abolished during the reorganization process, and some employees were automatically dismissed, while others were transferred to different positions.

"As is known to the public, in parallel with the ongoing protests in the country, hundreds of employees have been dismissed from public institutions. Some of them have not had their employment contracts renewed for various reasons. This process was preceded by the amendments to the Law of Georgia on Public Service passed by the Parliament on December 13, 2024, which are unequivocally negative, worsen the rights of employees/public servants in the public sector and leave them without legal guarantees. In addition, there is information about the liquidation of several public institutions, including the Public Service Bureau.

Most of those dismissed believe that they were dismissed on discriminatory grounds because they were signatories of statements distributed in support of the European integration process, and/or openly expressed their opinion in institutions regarding the country's political course.

Against the backdrop of ongoing repression in the public sector, the reorganization process that has begun in the Ministry of Defense is alarming. Up to 150 people have already been dismissed from the Ministry of Defense, some of whom are being provided with legal assistance by GYLA.

The cases studied revealed that the reorganization began without prior notification of employees or a thorough study of the issue. During the reorganization process, some structural units were abolished and some employees were automatically dismissed, while others were transferred to different positions. At this time, it is unknown to employees what caused the reorganization and staff reduction, as well as what criteria and assessments were used to determine who should be dismissed. In this way, the dismissal of employees, taking into account existing judicial practice, is a basis for considering the dismissal as illegal.

It is noteworthy that on January 24, 2025, an amendment was made to the Order No. 582 of the Minister of Defense of Georgia of July 21, 2011 “On the Rules for the Service of Military Police Officers”, according to which the age limit for employees with special ranks was determined. According to the amendment, reaching the age limit established for the relevant rank is the basis for dismissal from service. In addition to the reorganization, a number of persons were dismissed from the service precisely on the basis of this amendment.

GYLA believes that the process of dismissing employees from public institutions, including the Ministry of Defense, is not in accordance with the legislation and constitutes political repression against public officials. The process is being carried out unfairly, non-transparently and with disregard for judicial practice, which violates the rights of employees in the public sector. It is particularly worrying that some of those dismissed had signed a statement supporting European integration, which is an example of clear discrimination and violation of freedom of expression.

GYLA calls on administrative bodies to immediately stop the illegal dismissal of persons employed in public services and ensure the protection of the rights of public servants,” reads the information.