Public Defender Condemns Violence Against Individuals Based on Their Political Views
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
The Special Investigation Service has initiated an investigation into the attack on the Formula TV crew and Giorgi Kldiashvili, the director of the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI), near the Swedish Embassy. The investigation, as reported by the press office, is based on the first part of Article 154, which pertains to the obstruction of journalistic activities. The incident occurred as Giorgi Kldiashvili was leaving the Swedish Embassy and engaging with journalists.
The Public Defender Levan Ioseliani has strongly condemned recent violent incidents, emphasizing that it is unacceptable to attack individuals based on their different or critical opinions. Levan Ioseliani specifically highlighted the attacks on IDFI Director Kldiashvili and the Formula TV crew, along with the attack on teacher Lado Abkhazava on May 5.
"In each case, it is crucial for investigative agencies to determine the motives behind these violent actions and their potential connection with the victims' professional activities and critical opinions. If confirmed, these violent acts must be subject to appropriate legal assessment," reads the statement by the public defender.
Ioseliani calls upon the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia and the Special Investigation Service to conduct prompt and thorough investigations into each case and to take strict legal measures against those responsible.
According to the Ombudsman, the Office of the Public Defender will oversee the response of law enforcement agencies to these incidents.
In addition, citizens have reported receiving calls from foreign numbers on their personal phones, with callers cursing and threatening individuals who oppose "Foreign Agents" law. According to citizens, these calls appear to be originating from International VPNs.
"They called and started swearing... [besides the government] I don't see anyone else who can be so incompetent. Young people are talented in this society, the opposition has no energy for this, there is no one else left," writer Berdzenishvili told Radio Liberty.
