Public Defender appeals to leaders of parties to “refrain from encouraging, initiating violence” on election day

Georgian Public Defender Levan Ioseliani on Saturday appealed to leaders of all political parties involved in the ongoing elections and their supporters to “refrain from encouraging and initiating any kind of violence”  throughout the voting day and facilitate “conduct of processes in a peaceful and healthy environment”.

Ioseliani commented on cases of physical confrontations and violent incidents at some polling stations during the day, stressing violence and interference with activities of journalists and observers was unlawful.

The Public Defender reiterated the role of the media was “vital”, especially for informing the public about election processes.

“However, it is also important for the media not to interfere with the work of the election commissions”, Ioseliani said.

He further called on law enforcement agencies to “study and assess all possible criminal and illegal incidents” and respond to them “promptly, effectively and in accordance with the law”.