Lawyers Supporting Khatiashvili Blame Law Enforcement Officers in Oppression

Officers of the Constitutional Security Department within the Ministry of Internal Affairs intimidate the lawyers supporting new chairperson of the Bar Association of Georgia Zaza Khatiashvili. Several lawyers working in Kakheti region reported to the Kakheti News Center about it.

The lawyers reported that before elections the officers from the CSD and other law enforcement bodies warned lawyers in the region to vote for Keti Kvartskhava during the ballot.

“Law enforcement officers sent most lawyers to Tbilisi by their cars. They said Kvartskhava was candidate of the ruling party and we did not have to allow the victory of Khatiashvili. Only seven lawyers did not accept their suggestion for what they considered we were supporting Khatiashvili. We arrived in Tbilisi with our own expenses. The law enforcement officers threatened us with punishment. Our clients are refused to sign plea-bargain and suggest them to break contracts with us in exchange of some discharges,” said lawyers.

Kakheti office of the CSD did not comment on the fact.

We kindly remind you that election of the chairperson of the Bar Association was held on December 27, 2009 and Zaza Khatiashvili won it with majority votes.

Source: Kakheti News Center