Parliament Chairman Shalva Papuashvili: President Zourabichvili's Remarks on Police Encourage Foreign Ambassadors to Criticize
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, July 10, 2023
During an interview on Imedi TV, Shalva Papuashvili, the Chairman of the parliament, expressed his concern regarding the president's recent statement, noting that it further contributes to the perception that even a foreign ambassador can assert that the police are incapable of fulfilling their duties.
Papuashvili acknowledged that the police were unable to ensure the security of the Pride festival on the given day. However, he emphasized that the police had correctly prioritized protecting the well-being of individuals.
The Parliament Chairman expressed his apprehension about the potential consequences of a foreign representative observing the president's criticisms of the local police force. He pointed out that such remarks may provide an opening for others to make similar disparaging remarks about the police. Papuashvili acknowledged the challenges faced by the police in ensuring the event's success but commended their focus on prioritizing the safety and health of the participants.
"When a representative of a foreign country observes the president making complaints about our own police, it opens the door for others to make similar remarks about our police force. While it is true that the police were unable to ensure the smooth execution of the event today, they properly prioritized and focused on the most important aspect, which is the well-being of the people. The actions of the police were driven by their own interests," Papuashvili said.
