We see this package as a step back in the path to democracy as it
• Prolongs administrative detention without any justification
• Introduces particularly severe sanctions for the acts less dangerous for the public
• In absence of appropriate regulations allows usage of non-lethal weapons jeopardizing human health and lives
• Disproportionately limits freedom of assembly
Adoption of the amendments under current political circumstances indicates that the Government does not make an effort to overcome internal crisis through a dialogue, cooperation or compromise, but rather stirs up the confrontation and creates risk of escalated violence.
We call upon the Georgian Government not to adopt amendments with the current formulation in a speedy manner
We call upon the Georgian public to stand against the attempt to restrict civil liberties
We call upon the international organizations to actively engage in the legal assessment of legislative initiative
We call upon media to insure broad coverage of the issue for the public-at-large
Tbilisi
July 14, 2009
Signatories:
Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association
Open Society - Georgia Foundation
European Integration Forum
Public Movement “Multinational Georgia”
Transparency International Georgia
National Union for Education
Union “21 Century”
Georgian Lawyers' Union
Caucasus Network of Women
International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy
Eliso Chapidze – Journalist
Lasha Tughushi – Journalist
Nino Nekishvili – Journalist
Ani Mirotadze – Journalist
Marine Chitashvili – Psychologist, TSU professor.
Levan Adeishvili – Lawyer