Saakashvili: Georgia needs state of emergency because of amnesty

The entry into force of the Law "On Amnesty" will worsen the country's crime situation. In this context, the police have to work in the state of emergency and strengthen patrols, said the Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili.

"It was really not the proper time for amnesty. The Georgian police should surely declare the state of emergency. Bandits, many of whom were imprisoned amidst 'Zhiguli' Georgia, now get at large in the 'Mercedes' Georgia, where people have accumulated wealth; and the economy has quadrupled," said Saakashvili on December 30, while visiting – in the village of Djandara, Gardabani District, – the Mamedov family, which had been attacked a few days ago.

Saakashvili has promised to partially compensate the Mamedovs and other families recently exposed to robberies their suffered material damage, the "News-Georgia" reports.

"The state of emergency should be announced across all Georgia, as thousands of dangerous criminals get out of jail," Saakashvili said.

The Interior Minister Irakli Garibashvili has criticized the amnesty practically on all points and supported the president, the "Echo of the Caucasus" reports.