Georgia holds actions in support of "Hercules" workers

On September 26, simultaneously in Kutaisi and Tbilisi, protest actions were held against authorities' actions against the workers and trade union leaders of the "Hercules" Steel Works.

The rally in Kutaisi was held by activists of human rights NGOs, who protested against the arrest of three trade union leaders.

In Tbilisi, a picket in front of the Ministry of Economy was organized by members of the Trade Union Association, who expressed their solidarity with union activists from Kutaisi, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

"It was an illegal detention and illegal trial. The aim was to intimidate workers in Kutaisi and make them work. Therefore, we - human rights activists - held a peaceful protest action in front of the SIZO (pre-trial prison), where the three activists of the union movement are kept. We'll go on demanding the observance of human rights and freedoms by the authorities," Ucha Nanuashvili, one of the protesters, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Aslan Lortkipanidze, an activist of the NGO "Union of Independent Experts", believes that the actions of the authorities could lead to dire consequences.

"The detention of 'Hercules' workers suggests that our country is unable to protect basic human rights. These people didn't demanded resignation of President Saakashvili or the government. They demanded to protect their rights. If we are not able to demonstrate solidarity in such cases, the intimidation will continue," Mr Lortkipanidze said on air of Radio "Tavisupleba".

The country's trade union leaders are also protesting against detention of workers and intend to defend their rights.