NGOs accuse "Georgian Dream" of using administrative resources before rally

Residents of different Georgian regions are forced to take part in the event organized by the ruling "Georgian Dream" Party in honour of the country's presidency in the Council of Europe (CoE). This was stated by Nino Lomdjariya, the country's Public Defender (Ombudsperson) and several NGOs.

The "Caucasian Knot" wrote, since November 27, Georgia is chairing the CoE. The authorities have declared the defence of human rights, the rule of law and environment protection as their priority issues.

On December 14, the "Georgian Dream" plans holding a large-scale rally. Public servants in regions were made aware that those who refuse to participate in the rally would face problems, up to dismissal, Ms Lomdjariya has stated, noting that such pressure on subordinates is a criminal offense, the "News-Georgia" reports.

Employees of local administrations are forcing school, kindergarten state and organization workers to participate in the rally, says the joint statement by the "International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy", the NGOs "International Transparency Georgia" and "Democratic Initiative of Georgia", and the "Open Society" Fund.

Let us note here that since November 14, Georgia is hosting protests against the MPs' failure to vote for the draft law that envisaged a change of the country's electoral system. Protesters demand resignation of the government, holding early parliamentary elections and the removal of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the leader of the "Georgian Dream" Party, from power.