We would like to respond to the information disseminated by the media on March 31 according to which, in the early morning of that day, MP Nugzar Tsiklauri was met and assaulted physically by strangers near his home. According to the MP, the strangers also tried to kidnap him.
We, non-governmental organizations, express our utmost concern about this fact and consider violence against any person inadmissible. We also explain that the State has a constitutional obligation to ensure that MPs are provided with personal security and that they can exercise their authorities without hindrance.
The Parliament of Georgia is a very important element of the system of the country’s democratic governance and plays a key role with regard to oversight over the activities of the executive branch. It is obvious that the Parliament will not be able to fulfill this vital function for democracy effectively if its members are not protected from pressure and physical reprisals which may have the appearance of political reprisals.
We call on the authorities to investigate the attack on MP Nugzar Tsiklauri as fast, effectively, and objectively as possible. Only such investigation can dispel all doubts about possible motives for the fact that has taken place.
Signatory organizations:
The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association
Transparency International – Georgia
Georgian Democracy Initiative (GDI)
The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED)
The Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center (EMC)
Tolerance and Diversity Institute (TDI)
