We would like to respond to information released in media, according to which, in the early morning a Member of Parliament, Mr. Nugzar Tsiklauri, was accosted by strangers, which resulted in a physical assault. As Mr. Tsiklauri’s reports they attempted to kidnap him.

 

Non-governmental organizations express grave concern in this matter -- as we consider violence against anyone to be unacceptable, especially any form of violence against an elected official. We would like to highlight that the government has an obligation to ensure the personal protection for all members of parliament and uninterrupted exercise of their authorities. 

 

The Parliament of Georgia is a fundamental element in the democratic system and plays a key role in supervising the activities of the executive branch. It is clear that such a function is vital for a democracy and cannot be performed effectively unless the members of parliament are protected from intimidation and physical assault -- which may have the appearance of political revenge.

 

We call on the government to investigate the case of the attack on MP. David Tsiklauri without delay, effectively and with the maximum degree of impartiality. Only such an investigation can dispel all doubts about the motives and intentions regarding this case.

 

Signatory Organizations:

The Georgian Young Lawyers' Association

Transparency International Georgia

Georgian Democracy Initiative (GDI)

International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED)

Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center (EMC)

Tolerance and Diversity Institute (TDI)

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