NGOs and opposition parties of Georgia support political prisoners

Leaders of the parliamentary and non-parliamentary opposition made a
joint appeal in the office of the "People's Protector" on Monday
concerning political prisoners in Georgia, Georgian News reports. The
initiator of the appeal was the social movement "Solidarity with
Political Prisoners", which combines approximately 50 non-government
organizations.

The approved document will be sent to international organizations and
diplomatic missions accredited in Georgia. The appeal mainly concerns
the "Solidarity with Political Prisoners" movement leader's (former
Secretary General of the "Movement for United Georgia" party Eka
Beselia) arrested son (Rati Milorav) and brother (Sergo Beselia). NGOs
and political parties consider this a politically motivated arrest.
"Political parties and non-governmental organizations demand the
release and cessation of the political persecution of Eka Beselia's
son and brother." - says the appeal. The incident when his son and
brother were arrested happened on 19th August 2009. According to the
Ministry of Internal Affairs, the brother of Eka Besilia, her son and
two of their friends were arrested in one of the restaurants in the
Kobuletty seaside resort. An incident occured between them and guests
at a nearby table, who were alleged to have been "physically
insulted". Eki Beselia denies her relatives' guilt, and calls it an
obviously political arrest for her unyieldingness.

The appeal was also signed by the "Democratic Movement for a United
Georgia", "Alliance for Georgia", the "National Council", the
"National Forum", the Labour Party, the "Protect Georgia Movement",
the "Christian-Democratic Movement", the "Industry will save Georgia"
party, "The Women's Party" and "Georgian Dasiuses"
"There are over 56 political prisoners in Georgia today. This is our
reality. Political prisoners need our solidarity," - Eka Beselia said
after the ceremony of signing the appeal. Nino Burjanadze, the
ex-parliamentary speaker and leader of "Democratic Movement for a
United Georgia" , said - "people wishing for a good future for Georgia
are being kept in prisons illegally". "We must get rid of such
injustice in Georgia and change the power in the country as soon as
possible." - Burjanadze noted.

A former people's protector, one of the leaders of "Alliance for
Georgia", Sozar Subari, stated that "a country where people are
persecuted for political views has nothing in common with democracy.
We must stand together and fight the evil of Saakashvili," - Subari
said.

According to Lortkipanidze ,a deputy, secretary of a parliamentary
faction "Strong Georgia", "it is a unique fact that everyone united to
protect the human rights". "I'm confident that this event will be
supported" - he adds. Nicoloz Liliashvili, a parliament deputy of
Georgia, deputy secretary general of "Christian Democrats" faction,
believes that "support of such issues, concerning protection of
justice, plays an very important role". "As a deputy of Georgian
Parliament, I will do everything to make our country rightful." -
Liliashvili said.

The "Solidarity with political prisoners" movement initiated a support
meeting on Rustavelli Avenue to express solidarity and support for the
political prisoners. Political parties and NGOs that signed the joint
appeal will take part in it.