This Affects You – Demonstration in Batumi

Maka Malakmadze, Adjara

On February 19, demonstration was held in the frame of the Campaign “This Affects You – we are still listened to” in Batumi. Representatives of nongovernmental and media organizations initially gathered in May 6 Park and then marched to Batumi University to request prohibition of illegal, secret surveillance. 

In parallel to the demonstration, signatures were collected, which will be sent to the Batumi single-seat MP Murman Dumbadze together with special petition. The petition states that secret surveillance undermines constitutional right to private life and establishment of democratic principles in the country. The state and law enforcement bodies shall act in accordance to the law and ensure security of citizens.

Gia Kartsivadze, head of Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association’s Adjara office said problem of illegal surveillance can be resolved through legislative amendments. “We might not be listened to today, but if they have political will, they will have chance to listen. So, the law shall regulate concrete mechanisms when, why and who can be listened to.”

Ana Berdzenishvili, representative of the Transparency International – Georgia. “The purpose of the petition is to encourage the Parliament of Georgia to discuss the draft-law, which was submitted 11 months ago. The bill is about secret surveillance. After the law is adopted, investigative bodies will not be able to listen to citizens without permission.”

The demonstrators handed out special fliers with slogans “This Affects You – we are still listened to”.