16 May 2008, 15:11
In Georgia, 26 "industrialists" withdraw their candidatures from elections
Because of the pressure exerted by the authorities of Georgia, 26 majority candidates from the block of "industrialists" have withdrawn their candidatures. This was stated today by Gogi Topadze, leader of the political movement "Industry Will Save Georgia", in the press conference "Pre-Election situation in Georgia: Block Right-Wing Alliance: Topadze-Industrialists" at the RIA "Novosti" Tbilisi International Press centre, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent informs.
"Persecution of majority candidates from opposition parties continues. Because of pressure, intimidation and bribing by posts, our 26 majority candidates have filed applications on their refusal to run for. One more person is hesitating. In total 22 persons are running for from our Block," Mr Topadze said.
As he said, participation in the pre-election race in these conditions is an unprecedented step.
"This is the reason why our pre-election campaign is so passive. It's in fact suspended. We just don't want to sacrifice our people. There are plenty examples of intimidation, I just don't want to give names not to endanger people still more," Gogi Topadze has added.
He told that there was a case when at 2 at night a candidate from their party was taken away from home by employees of security services who later demanded from him to give up his participation in the elections.
Author: Edita Badasian, CK correspondent
