We would like to respond to the information publicized by media, according to which, the United National Movement member, Zurab Chiaberashvili was attacked and physically assaulted at the Literature Cafe, located on Abashidze #22. Zurab Chiaberashvili is the member of the United National Movement political council. Zurab Chiaberashvili is also representing the party at the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for Free and Fair Elections.

 

Chiaberashvili is injured on his head. He says that the attacker had hit his head with the glass and splashed hot water over his companion – Nodar Ladaria. As Chiaberashvili told the journalists, the only thing that the attackers told him was the following: “How dare you walk in the streets, how dare you come in here, get out of here.”

 

Such violent facts are unacceptable and require proper, timely and adequate response from the State.   Apart from including signs of crime, such actions increase tension in the pre-election period and imperil the conduct of the elections in the free and fair environment.

 

We call upon everyone, to refrain from violent expression of the protest in the pre-election period. We call upon the government to ensure fast, effective and objective investigation of the attack committed against Zurab Chiaberashvili.