Public Defender Urges Immediate Response to Violent Attacks Against Critics of 'Foreign Agents' Law
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, May 10, 2024
Public defender Levan Ioseliani has addressed the recent violent attacks on individuals critical of the 'Foreign Agents' law, emphasizing that the persecution, intimidation, and physical assault against these citizens, their family members, and children constitute criminal acts that demand an immediate response from law enforcement officers.
Ioseliani emphasized that each instance of such violence must be met with a strict and appropriate response from the state.
In light of these events, the Public Defender once again urged law enforcement bodies to promptly respond and provide transparent information about the measures taken to address these issues to the public.
"The Public Defender of Georgia condemns the attacks against individual citizens that occurred in the evening hours of May 8, 2024, and reiterates the concerns highlighted in our assessment published on the same day.
The Public Defender reminds everyone that, regardless of how unacceptable a different or critical opinion may be, persecuting people, intimidating their family members (including minor children), and physical assaults on citizens are criminal acts that demand an immediate and effective response from relevant law enforcement agencies.
It is important for every instance of such violence to receive a strict and appropriate response from the state. Such cases should not manifest as mass organized persecution and violence, as this is incompatible with the principles of a democratic and legal state founded on human rights.
The Public Defender once again calls on law enforcement bodies to respond immediately and provide information on the measures implemented to the public," the statement reads.
