Tbilisi: Joining the other opponents of authorities’ crackdown against protesters NGO IDFI critiqued excessive use of force. The people are protesting against decision of Government to suspend talks for integration into European Union till 2028.
Non-Governmental Organisation, IDFI (Institute for Development of Freedom of Information) issued a detailed statement in this regard. As per statement of IDFI, during action against peaceful protests large number of protesters has been arrested by authorities between 11 to 15 January in Batumi city alone.
The detainee along with other also includes director of a printing press. Mzia Amaglobeli is director of the publishing house Batumelebi” . Guram Murvanidze operator of same media house “Batumelebi” has been arrested.
The police and other law enforcement agencies detained person on flimsy grounds. Some alleged that they were detained for distributing sticker containing information about the strike.
On the other hand, office of Public Defeder also apprised public about the conditions of those detained by agencies. As per office 5 of them pointed out the inappropriate treatment by the police. Mzia Amaglobeli, after being released from administrative detention, was arrested in a few minutes under criminal law.
The stament of NGO underlined that this is clear violation of the rights of citizens. As per statement the incident happened between January 11 to 15 reflected bitter truth about misuse of state machinery by party in power, Georgian Dream.
It is worth to note that many independent media houses along with social organisation and civil society organisation have revealed direct involvement of state agencies for excessive use of force against the peaceful protesters.
While expressing resentment over action against “Batumelebi” NGO said that this is very shocking to see that director who are relased immediately arrested on criminal charges ground. Statement also rejected false propaganda by some state control media houses to justify arrest of Batumelebi” director. In some footage he is being shown as slaping police chief Giorgi Dgebuadze.
In the end of statement it was stressed that authorises need to tackle situation with patience. Moreover agencies need to retore public faith by impartial action.
