Georgian NGOs Unite Against Recent Attacks, Vow Legal Aid and Justice for Victims
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, May 10, 2024
Georgian non-governmental organizations have united in response to recent attacks targeting politicians, activists, and citizens. They have promised legal assistance to all victims and are committed to fully investigating and prosecuting these acts of violence.
The organizations strongly condemned the use of tactics resembling those employed by the Russian regime and assert Georgia's unwavering dedication to its European aspirations and fundamental freedoms. They emphasized the resilience of the Georgian people in defending against such aggression and reiterated their commitment to ensuring that those responsible are held fully accountable for their actions.
"On the night of May 8, the authorities' nerves finally got the best of them, and they prematurely began to demonstrate their intentions for shaping Georgia's future. The shift in foreign policy direction and the announced reprisals by Bidzina Ivanishvili on April 29 have already been visibly implemented.
The harassing and threatening calls made to hundreds of citizens have escalated into physical attacks and organized reprisals against politicians and activists. The oligarch and his associates seem to have forgotten that Georgia is not Russia.
Georgians know the value of freedom. Our pursuit of a European future for our country cannot be undermined by Russian security service methods.
A Georgian would never approve of attacking someone from behind, chasing them into buildings, or breaking down a door with a small child inside. This behavior is typical of the Russian regime. We are committed to providing legal assistance to all victims affected by these actions. We will thoroughly pursue every case of targeted attacks on active citizens, whether they occurred in previous weeks or more recently. We will demand and ensure that the culprits are identified and held accountable for their actions.
Freedom is the primary value of the Georgian people. That is why we stand, and will continue to stand, as guardians of Georgia's European future, protecting our country from Russian methods and violence. The Georgian people will win in this battle, and the perpetrators will undoubtedly face a fitting response," NGOs' statement reads.
