The News in Brief
Friday, November 1, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
Opposition Plans Rally on Rustaveli Avenue to Challenge October 26 Election Results
Opposition leaders from Unity-National Movement, Coalition for Changes, and Strong Georgia have announced plans for a rally on Rustaveli Avenue on Monday, November 4, at 19:00, aiming to contest the legitimacy of the October 26 parliamentary elections.
At the rally, the opposition will detail their planned actions, which Ana Dolidze describes as "lawful, peaceful, and organized." The opposition's core demand is for the election results to be declared illegitimate. In a statement on Facebook, Dolidze outlined their goals, which include:
- Securing international non-recognition of the elections.
- Pushing for an international investigation, involving the EU and the USA, to protect Georgia's long-term security.
- Annulling the election results through legal and diplomatic efforts.
The announcement follows a series of consultations, though members of Gakharia-Georgia were notably absent. Dolidze affirmed the opposition's commitment, stating, "There are many of us, we are victorious, and it will all work out for us."
Press Freedom Groups Demand Protection of Journalists in Georgia Amid Election Violence
Press freedom organizations, including the International Press Institute (IPI) and several European press rights groups, have called on Georgian authorities to address escalating attacks on journalists covering the October 26 parliamentary elections. The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) reported at least 30 election-related incidents of violence involving 34 media workers. Journalists faced physical and verbal assaults, equipment damage, and intimidation, mostly at the hands of ruling Georgian Dream party supporters, according to reports.
Incidents included an assault on a CNews journalist in Kutaisi and entry restrictions for two foreign journalists. Czech journalist Ray Baseley was detained at the airport for 34 hours, denied contact with legal representation for 20 hours, and held under surveillance. Swiss photojournalist Stephan Goss was similarly detained for 11 hours. Both journalists received no clear explanation for their detainment, only a vague reference to Georgian legislation.
Opposition Plans Rally on Rustaveli Avenue to Challenge October 26 Election Results
At the rally, the opposition will detail their planned actions, which Ana Dolidze describes as "lawful, peaceful, and organized." The opposition's core demand is for the election results to be declared illegitimate. In a statement on Facebook, Dolidze outlined their goals, which include:
- Securing international non-recognition of the elections.
- Pushing for an international investigation, involving the EU and the USA, to protect Georgia's long-term security.
- Annulling the election results through legal and diplomatic efforts.
The announcement follows a series of consultations, though members of Gakharia-Georgia were notably absent. Dolidze affirmed the opposition's commitment, stating, "There are many of us, we are victorious, and it will all work out for us."
Press Freedom Groups Demand Protection of Journalists in Georgia Amid Election Violence
Incidents included an assault on a CNews journalist in Kutaisi and entry restrictions for two foreign journalists. Czech journalist Ray Baseley was detained at the airport for 34 hours, denied contact with legal representation for 20 hours, and held under surveillance. Swiss photojournalist Stephan Goss was similarly detained for 11 hours. Both journalists received no clear explanation for their detainment, only a vague reference to Georgian legislation.