Georgian Painter Blames Spanish Policemen in Breaching His Rights and in Robbery

Georgian painter Davit Chabukashvili, living in Spain, appeals to Georgian mass media by internet:

“I have been living in Cordoba, Spain since July of 2009. This city was capital of ancient Andalusia where Eastern and Western cultures are mixed up. I, as a painter, was very interested in ancient Romanian and Arab culture monuments and decided to work in this direction.

“My first open-air exhibition was extremely successful. Visitors could not help their emotions. The city started to recognize me gradually. People respected me. I was telling them that Georgia was the country of one of the most ancient histories in Europe.

“On May 31, 2010, during the exhibition, representatives of the so-called “police local” arrived at then place and demanded license from me. I did not have it because I had tried to get license three times and each time I had to wait for it several months in vain.

“They collected my paintings and threw them into the car like outdated goods. In reply to my protest the policemen told me I had to bring a receipt on fine-payment and only after that I could receive my paintings. The policemen did not give me any protocol where they were taking my paintings. Thus, they breached the law; apparently they wanted to grab my paintings.

“Next day I was explained that I had to pay fine of 55, 10 Euro and provide the receipt on payment; after that I could take my works.

“After providing the receipt the police promised me to give my paintings but the officials of the department where my works were saved gave obscure replies to me. Thus, I doubt the policemen stole my paintings.

“I had already informed the Georgian Consulate in Madrid about the incident; they also received similar unclear reply from Spanish law enforcement bodies. Today, on June 4, I faxed the entire information to the Consulate.

“I think it is a robbery of the private property done by the Spanish policemen. I am sorry when Georgian people are accused in various crimes in Europe; but now I blame them in breaching human rights and robbery.

“I appeal to Georgian TV-Companies and printed media to publish this fact. I am waiting for the support from Georgia.”

With deep respect and nostalgia,
Painter Davit Chabukashvili

Tendor Pedro La Virjen Street N 10
Cordoba, Spain
Cell Phone:  34 633 364 997
Landline: 34 957 84 16 22
Website: http://www.chabuka.info/

The Human Rights Center