GYLA reports observers' expulsions from polling stations in Georgia

The Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA) has stated that its observers came under pressure at polling stations where election violations were recorded. In three cases, observers were forced to leave polling stations.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on October 2, Georgia held elections of mayors and deputies of local governing assemblies.

"In Batumi, near polling station No. 44, Temur Iremadze, a GYLA observer, was threatened by an unidentified person. In connection with this incident, the GYLA appealed to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). In the Tbilisi's constituency of Chugureti, at polling station No. 16, a GYLA observer was verbally abused after he saw a mobilized group of people around the polling station and began filming and making photos. At polling station No. 64 in Isani (Tbilisi), a GYLA observer was expelled from the polling station for no reason after attempting to film and photograph the improper arrangement of the voting premises," the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent has translated a GYLA's statement.

Khatuna Berulava, an observer from the "Cnews" Agency, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that attempts to bribe voters were noticed in Zugdidi. "I received information that they are giving money to voters at this or that polling station. However, when we arrived there, we couldn't record the fact of payment – people have just left already."

Salome Chaduneli, a journalist of the "Formula" TV Company, was hit with an electric shocker after she refused to leave the polling station. A criminal case has been initiated on the fact of the attack on her under the article "Obstruction of the work of the press".

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on October 2, 2021 at 06:36 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.