Web Portal on Human Rights in Georgia

“We demand to punish Kervalishvili and Rcheulishvili,” “Let them return our money,” the protest assembly with these slogans was held near the parliament on February 7. The protesters purchased spaces in the residential buildings, which were being constructed by the Center Point in 2004, 2005 and 2006; the Company did not finish the construction of those buildings.

Canadian Court granted status of political refugee to the former president of the Georgian Independent Trade Union of Teachers and Scientists Manana Gurchumelidze.

Gurjaani district Prosecutor’s Office made Sopiko Nikolashvili’s case Top Secret. The lawyer of the accused Maguli Gvaladze confirmed the information with the ICK.

Roma people are one of the most marginalized ethnic minorities in Georgia. Unlike many ethnic groups, they prefer living in groups and are not assimilated with the local population. The key reason of their marginalization from the social life of the country is lack of education. While generally people feel discriminated if they lack education, it is reality for Roma people.

Short time ago, the government of Georgia, who categorically denied the complaints of the Israeli Company “Elbit Systems”, confirmed that the years-long argument between the Company and Georgia finished with agreement. Although the country avoided a fine of 100 million USD to be imposed by the London Arbitrage Court as well as international scandal, the mistakes, made four years ago, will cost expensive for the country.

In the month of October of last year Transparency International Georgia addressed the Minister of IDPs from the Occupied Territories, Refugees and Accommodation with a recommendation to effectively cooperate with the media outlets which are critical to its work. The Ministry did not consider the recommendation of the authoritative organization. The Ministry is still closed for independent journalists

The U.S. Embassy in Georgia recently called on that country to conduct the parliamentary elections scheduled for October of this year in the “fairest possible campaign environment.” The U.S. also restated its commitment to help Georgia in that endeavor.  There is nothing particularly unusual about this statement which could have been made in reference to elections in numerous countries with varying degrees of democracy and freedom.  The question which this raises is whether or not he U.S. knows how, or has the tools, to make elections fairer in Georgia or other similar countries.

Georgian Trade Unions made a legislative proposal to provide medical insurance for students of higher education. The draft law envisages free medical insurance for students of all three phases of higher education. Government and governing party National Movement blocks proposal.