US condemns 'violent, politically motivated' attacks in Dmanisi, Rustavi
The US Embassy underscores in its statement that ‘violence is unacceptable in an election campaign’. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge
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“The United States condemns the violent, seemingly politically motivated attacks which took place yesterday in Dmanisi and Rustavi”, the US Embassy in Georgia has announced.
This, along with numerous reports of pressure and intimidation against opposition candidates and their supporters throughout the country, raises serious doubts about the government’s commitment to a safe, fair pre-election environment and a democratic election process”, the statement reads.
The US Embassy has released a statement earlier today:
U.S. Embassy Statement on Attacks in Rustavi and Dmanisi https://t.co/nGe6HCW9np
— U.S. Embassy Tbilisi (@usingeo) September 22, 2021
Noting that ‘violence is unacceptable in an election campaign’, the US Embassy says ‘the government bears primary responsibility for creating an environment that protects individuals’ rights and ensures a free, fair, competitive election that voters can have confidence in’.
The Government of Georgia should redouble its efforts to ensure that candidates and their supporters can exercise their democratic rights of free speech and assembly, without threats of intimidation, harassment, or violence, and take proactive steps to hold accountable those who commit election violations”, the US Embassy states.
It also underscores that ‘all parties have a civic duty to promote a peaceful atmosphere in which citizens can discuss the issues, express their preferences, and choose their candidates free from the threat of violence and intimidation’.
28-year-old Davit Dautashvili, the son of Mikheil Dautashvili who is the majoritarian candidate of the ruling Georgian Dream party, was detained for stabbing two supporters of the opposition United National Movement party in Georgia’s eastern Dmanisi municipality.
Earlier this week, Ivane Gvelesiani, former employee of Rustavi City Hall’s NNLE Rustavi Building, who claimed he was dismissed for political reasons, was physically assaulted.
Over 3.4 million voters will elect mayors and members of the local councils through a mixed system of majoritarian seats and proportional lists in 64 municipalities on October 2.