We, the under-signatory NGOs, express concern about the physical assault of Zviad Kuprava, the head of non-governmental organization “Reform Center of Law Enforcement Officers” -, by Sandro Bregadze and his supporters. We call on law enforcement bodies, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, to immediately react to the fact and start effective and transparent investigation which willbring all offenders before the court.
We believe the statements made during the assault raise reasonable doubt that physical assault was based on discrimination caused by civil and political views of Kuprava.
We are deeply concerned, because this is not the first case when people are harassed due to their critical views towards the government during pre-election period. We think that lack of adequate response to such kind of facts threatens peaceful pre-elections environment and conduct of free and fair elections itself. At the same time, fair and non-violent environment of the parliamentary elections is important pre-condition for the democratic developing of Georgia.
Georgian Democracy Initiative (GDI)
Media Development Foundation (MDF)
Georgia’s Reforms Association (GRASS)
Human Rights Center (HRIDC)
The Article 42 of the Constitution
LGBT Georgia
Tolerance and Diversity Institute (TDI)