To put pressure on the government for action against the accused for the attack on their colleague Lado Apkhazava more than 700 teachers from across Georgia have signed a joint statement. They demanded strong action against the accused while expressing solidarity with their colleague Lado Apkhazava who was attacked recently.
Lado Apkhazava the winner of the National Teacher Award was attacked on Sunday, May 5. These teachers also called on the law enforcement authorities to conduct a “timely and effective” investigation into the case so that the accused could be brought to justice as soon as possible.
It is to be specifically mentioned that as per the media reports Lado Apkhazava and his son were attacked on easter Sunday near his apartment in the town of Lanchkhuti in the Western Georgian region of Guria. The reports also suggest that Lado Apkhazava was targeted because of his publicly critical stand against the foreign Agents Law and his participation in protest rallies. On the other hand, police sources said that they have launched an in-depth investigation.
The protesting teachers who released a statement on May 6 said that “ This is a serious offense and will encourage the other anti-social elements for the violence against teachers with an active civic position. Moreover, Lado Apkhazava is a teacher who is an example for all.
Additionally statement also reads “We consider violence against any particular person especially who is on the higher civic or other position is categorically unacceptable. Law enforcement agencies should not turn their eyes blind to this violation of law and order incidents.”
The statement also said that the ruling Georgian government is putting unnecessary pressure on the teachers to extend unconditional support for the ruling Georgian Dream party. Moreover, recently the teachers were bussed to the capital city of Tbilisi for the support of the Government as well. The teacher said that accuses should be punished with exemplary punishment which will act as a deterrent for the other anti-social elements.
