Prepared by Messenger Staff
President Zourabichvili Discusses Election Concerns with German Bundestag Committee Chair
On November 20, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili met with Anton Hofreiter, Chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag, during his visit to Georgia.
According to the President's Administration, the discussion focused on the October 26 parliamentary elections and the "most serious and systemic violations" reported during the pre-election period and on election day. These issues, the President stated, affected the secrecy of the ballot, the free expression of voters' will, and the universality of the voting process.
President Zourabichvili noted that the elections have not been recognized as free and fair, and Western partners have yet to acknowledge the legitimacy of the Parliament. The conversation also touched on Russia's ongoing hybrid warfare in Georgia and the President's strategy for resolving the political crisis. Her plan involves mobilizing international support for new elections and pursuing legal methods to challenge the disputed results.
The President concluded by reaffirming the Georgian people's commitment to European Union integration, emphasizing that the European path remains the country's only viable direction.
Investigation Launched into Obstruction of Journalists' Work During Tbilisi Protest
The Special Investigation Service of Georgia has initiated an investigation into incidents of journalists being obstructed while covering a protest rally on November 18-19 in Tbilisi. According to a statement by the Service, the investigation focuses on violations under the first and second parts of Article 154 of the Georgian Criminal Code, which address illegal interference with journalistic activities.
The rally, initially held on Chavchavadze Avenue, later moved to Melikishvili Avenue after police took control of the area near Tbilisi State University. Reports emerged that law enforcement officers physically assaulted several journalists during the dispersal. The Special Investigation Service emphasized that all necessary investigative actions are actively underway to address these allegations.
