AI: prosecution of Tamara Mearakishvili grossly violates right to freedom of expression

The authorities of South Ossetia have detained activist Tamara Mearakishvili, who criticize them in social networks, and accused her of defamation. This is a blatant violation of the right to freedom of expression, stated the human rights organization "Amnesty International". The information about the prosecution of the activist provoked an acute reaction in Georgia, which the Tskhinvali authorities treated as an attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of South Ossetia.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the Prosecutor's Office for South Ossetia accused Tamara Mearakishvili of defamation against Spartak Dryaev, a member of the "United Ossetia" Party, published on the website of the "Echo of the Caucasus". On August 17, the activist claimed she was threatened during interrogation.

Besides, according to Tamara Mearakishvili, she was not allowed to be visited by an advocate and was not provided with an interpreter. Her personal belongings were confiscated.

The activist was released on the same day, probably because of the active protest voiced by local activists and international organizations, reported the AI's website. Later, her house was searched.

Georgian Public Defender Ucha Nanuashvili has suggested that the purpose for the prosecution of Tamara Mearakishvili is to force her to leave South Ossetia forever.

The scandal with the Tamara Mearakishvili's prosecution came to the international level, noted journalist Alan Parastaev, an author of a blog about South Ossetia at the "Caucasian Knot".

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in February 2014, Tamara Mearakishvili was dismissed from the post of the head for the House of Children's Creativity in the Leningor village. The activist is engaged in the protection of the citizens' rights in the Leningor District.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.