On June 2, the police dispersed a peaceful demonstration in front of Tbilisi’s parliament building, including human rights defenders and representatives of civil society organizations, at least seven people were detained. Those gathered were criticizing Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili’s recent anti-democratic and pro-Russian statements, while showing support for Beka Grigoriadis, the father of Lazare Grigoriadis,…
After the change of the Georgian government in October 2012, the new administration declared human rights as a priority. I was nominated by 24 NGOs to become the Ombudsman, or Public Defender, and was appointed by the Parliament in December 2012. We had a unique opportunity to improve the human rights situation in the country…
Originally published on Facebook. “With hope and optimism, we founded the World Movement for Democracy believing that “the continued durability and dynamism of democracy globally requires a worldwide community of democrats . . . who are united by shared democratic values and a commitment to mutual support and solidarity.” The first time I had a…
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