The News in Brief
Tuesday, November 16
Prepared by the Messenger Staff
Melia Announces 3 Rallies to Take Place Today in Tbilisi
According to the Chairman of the National Movement Nika Melia, a large-scale protest rally will be held in Tbilisi today at 14:00.
As Melia mentioned at the briefing held at the party office, protests will be held at 3 locations — Republic Square, near the Central Election Commission and near the central office of the National Movement.
“Another fierce protest rally will be held in Tbilisi. Tomorrow, there will be a rally in convoys. The meeting place will be three - at 14:00. "Let us protest with the flags of Georgia and the European Union, with signals - the Russian regime and its inhuman face,” Nika Melia said.
Saakashvili is on his 47th day of hunger strike in protest. His condition is severe. According to the doctor, Saakashvili can no longer walk. He will end the hunger strike if he is taken to a civilian clinic, however, the government refuses to do so.
European Parliament Delegation for the South Caucasus Issues a Statement, Speaks of Georgian Ombudsman’s Role in Georgia’s Future Development
Marina Kaljurand, the Head of the European Parliament's South Caucasus Delegation, and Sven Mixer, the Rapporteur on Georgia, made a joint statement in support of Georgia's Public Defender. According to MEPs, the role of Georgia's Public Defender in the country's European integration is critical.
MEPs note in particular that the ombudsman's actions will keep Georgia on the European road.
The declaration also emphasizes the need of safeguarding Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgia’s third president, and his rights.
“We strongly support the work of the Public Defender's Office, who plays a crucial role in Georgian society. Ms. Nino Lomjaria and her office deserve praise for their work, and attacks on their independence deserve attention, no matter where they come from.
We mentioned Nino Lomjaria's statements on the issues of respect for Mikheil Saakashvili's dignity, security and the right to a fair trial, as well as the need to protect the third president and transfer him to Gldani Prison Hospital.
Due to Mr. Saakashvili's health condition, we are monitoring the developments and expect that his rights will be protected.
Since Nino Lomjaria took office in 2017, she has spared no effort to protect human rights, contributing to the strengthening of the rule of law. These are the principles set out in the Association Agreement between the EU and Georgia.
Nevertheless, much remains to be done in these areas - especially in terms of the independence of the judiciary. Against this background, it is all the more important to have a Public Defender who performs his duties transparently and independently.
Ms. Lomjaria and her colleagues enjoy the trust and support of EU Ambassador Carl Hartzel. There is no doubt that they do not deserve criticism for their commitment to Georgia’s democratic future,” read the statement.
Melia Announces 3 Rallies to Take Place Today in Tbilisi
According to the Chairman of the National Movement Nika Melia, a large-scale protest rally will be held in Tbilisi today at 14:00.
As Melia mentioned at the briefing held at the party office, protests will be held at 3 locations — Republic Square, near the Central Election Commission and near the central office of the National Movement.
“Another fierce protest rally will be held in Tbilisi. Tomorrow, there will be a rally in convoys. The meeting place will be three - at 14:00. "Let us protest with the flags of Georgia and the European Union, with signals - the Russian regime and its inhuman face,” Nika Melia said.
Saakashvili is on his 47th day of hunger strike in protest. His condition is severe. According to the doctor, Saakashvili can no longer walk. He will end the hunger strike if he is taken to a civilian clinic, however, the government refuses to do so.
European Parliament Delegation for the South Caucasus Issues a Statement, Speaks of Georgian Ombudsman’s Role in Georgia’s Future Development
Marina Kaljurand, the Head of the European Parliament's South Caucasus Delegation, and Sven Mixer, the Rapporteur on Georgia, made a joint statement in support of Georgia's Public Defender. According to MEPs, the role of Georgia's Public Defender in the country's European integration is critical.
MEPs note in particular that the ombudsman's actions will keep Georgia on the European road.
The declaration also emphasizes the need of safeguarding Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgia’s third president, and his rights.
“We strongly support the work of the Public Defender's Office, who plays a crucial role in Georgian society. Ms. Nino Lomjaria and her office deserve praise for their work, and attacks on their independence deserve attention, no matter where they come from.
We mentioned Nino Lomjaria's statements on the issues of respect for Mikheil Saakashvili's dignity, security and the right to a fair trial, as well as the need to protect the third president and transfer him to Gldani Prison Hospital.
Due to Mr. Saakashvili's health condition, we are monitoring the developments and expect that his rights will be protected.
Since Nino Lomjaria took office in 2017, she has spared no effort to protect human rights, contributing to the strengthening of the rule of law. These are the principles set out in the Association Agreement between the EU and Georgia.
Nevertheless, much remains to be done in these areas - especially in terms of the independence of the judiciary. Against this background, it is all the more important to have a Public Defender who performs his duties transparently and independently.
Ms. Lomjaria and her colleagues enjoy the trust and support of EU Ambassador Carl Hartzel. There is no doubt that they do not deserve criticism for their commitment to Georgia’s democratic future,” read the statement.