Torture in Georgian prisons. Statement of Public Movement "Georgia's Vote for Fair Elections"

Today, on September 21, the Public Movement "Georgia's Vote for Fair Elections" finds it necessary to make the following statement.

The horrific videos of facts of torture in prisons of Georgia have shocked not only Georgians, but the entire civilized world. They also shocked us, the Georgian Diaspora in Russia.

We are convinced that all the guilty persons shall be punished and brought to justice, regardless of their official positions. President Mikhail Saakashvili is personally responsible for the inhuman and monstrous treatment of convicted citizens of Georgia.

It is not surprising that the internal problems of the penitentiary system have been made public during the pre-election period. A disease is always revealed "in improper time" for the authorities. The ugly attitude to its own citizens (regardless, inside or outside the country) was doomed to come out sooner or later.

Eight years ago, the then new authorities of Georgia officially announced a series of reforms, including reforms in the penitentiary system. At present, it is clear that the reform has not only ended in a complete failure, but it has resulted in particular crimes. Besides, natural questions arise with regard to the outcomes of other reforms conducted in our Homeland.

This is another reason why the upcoming elections are very important. At present, the role of parliament goes up, since it will form the executive authority. In order to elect responsible and honest ministers, who will put their respective industries into order, it is necessary to hold free and fair elections without any further complaints.

We express our solidarity and support to the citizens of Georgia, who came into the streets of the cities of the country to protest against violence and terror committed by the authorities; and we call on everyone to do everything possible to avoid civil confrontation.

We demand resignation of the President and the government of Georgia.

We appeal to the international community to give legal assessment of the facts of torture of convicts in Georgian prisons.

This should never happen again!

Public Movement "Georgia's Vote for Fair Elections"

September 21, 2012