Opposition demands from "Georgian Dream" to fulfil agreement to free political prisoners

The "Georgian Dream" Party never committed itself to the release of political prisoners as part of an agreement on the system for holding parliamentary elections, Archil Talakvadze, the Speaker of the Parliament, has stated. In their turn, oppositionists claim that authorities are trying to evade their obligation.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that back on March 8, at a meeting, where foreign diplomats were present, Georgian authorities and oppositionists agreed to change the system of parliamentary elections. The agreement will be valid in case of political prisoners are released, oppositionists have stated citing specific names.

However, Archil Talakvadze insists that the parties had agreed only on the electoral system, under which parliamentary elections will be held this autumn.

In particular, the Speaker asked the diplomatic mission to confirm that the "Georgian Dream" Party did not commit itself to release three oppositionists – Irakli Okruashvili, Gigi Ugulava and Giorgi Rurua.

Such actions of the ruling party are adversely affecting the country's image; everyone knows now that there are political prisoners in Georgia, Grigol Vashadze, the leader of the "United National Movement" (UNM) Party, has stated at a briefing.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on May 13, 2020 at 03:50 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.