Ruling party MP with media ties appointed as Georgia’s Minister of Justice

Georgia’s Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, on Wednesday announced that Paata Salia, a ruling party MP with shares in a government-leaning media outlet Rustavi 2, will assume the position of Minister of Justice. The appointment was confirmed during a briefing at the Government Administration.

Speaking at the event, Kobakhidze described Salia as “one of the most successful lawyers” in the country. “He does not need any special introduction,” Kobakhidze claimed. “He is a current member of the Parliament of Georgia and has received his legal education in both Georgia and the United States.”

Salia, a former director of the TV company Rustavi 2 and legal representative of businessman Kibar Khalvashi, who owns the channel, has been a figure of interest in Georgia’s political and media landscape. He was elected as a member of the 11th convocation of Parliament last year, appearing as the 96th candidate on the ruling Georgian Dream party’s list.

Salia also remains the director of Broadcasting Company Rustavi 2 LLC, which holds a 10 percent stake in Rustavi 2 TV.

Salia will replace Anri Okhanashvili in the post as the latter has been appointed as the head of Georgia’s State Security Service.