U.S. Ambassador Norland's Statement on Tbilisi Mayor

The U.S. Ambassador Richard Norland shares the concerns of civil society about the suspension of an elected official. Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava, is accused of embezzlement of public funds.

"We are following these developments closely. We renew our call on the authorities to scrupulously and transparently observe due process and the rule of law, reads the statement from Ambassador Norland on Tbilisi Mayors case, released on December 23.

Tbilisi City Court granted the Georgian Prosecutions motion and suspended Ugulava from the post of Tbilisi Mayor until the final decision in the criminal case, on December 22.