Public Defender urges all parties involved in election process to refrain from provocative actions and violence

The Public Defender urges all parties involved in the election process to realize the importance of holding the election process in the constructive environment and to refrain from provocative actions and violence.

The Public Defender released a statement regarding the Akalkhalaki incident and stated that all offenders should be held responsible.

“Members of the election headquarters of United Opposition's presidential candidate Grigol Vashadze were reportedly attacked in the city of Akhalkalaki on 30 October 2018. According to Giorgi Vashadze, the attackers near the headquarters included the family members of Georgian Dream lawmaker Enzel Mkoyan.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia launched an investigation into the case under Article 239 (2) (3) of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertain to hooliganism committed by a group with preliminary agreement.

The Public Defender of Georgia underlines that similar incidents significantly hamper the free and peaceful pre-election environment, which will ultimately affect the quality of democratic development in the country. Therefore, it is necessary to timely identify all persons involved in the offense and take measures in accordance with law. In addition, it is important to assess the existence of an alleged political motivation and if necessary, to change the legal assessment of the offence”, reads the statement.

The Public Defender urged all parties involved in the election process to realize the importance of holding the election process in the constructive environment and to refrain from provocative actions and violence.