Public Defender says UNM Batumi rally was ‘completely irresponsible’

Public Defender NIno Lomjaria published a post on her personal Facebook page yesterday. 

Agenda.ge, 17 Oct 2020 - 17:59, Tbilisi,Georgia

Public Defender Nino Lomjaria said the large scale rally organised by the opposition United National Movement in Batumi yesterday was ‘completely irresponsible’ amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The public defender stated yesterday that thousands of people should not be allowed to gather without wearing face masks and violate social distancing rules. She also claimed that it is the obligation of the state to protect the lives of its citizens and ensure that the safety regulations are maintained. 

Lomjaria further said that 'democratic countries' have postponed elections earlier this year amid the coronavirus-related restrictions and the high-risk of spreading the virus on election day.

Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia and other ruling party leaders have meanwhile stated that there are no grounds to postpone parliamentary elections in Georgia. Meanwhile, health officials call on citizens to wear face masks and maintain social distancing to prevent the further spread of the virus.

However, despite the coronavirus-related safety recommendations, the UNM-led Strength in Unity election bloc held an outdoor presentation of its majoritarian candidates and election programme in Batumi yesterday, which has been denounced by the ruling party.