17 April 2009, 20:00
Adelkhanov: "self-defence groups" of the opposition in Georgia are inactive yet
On April 15, it was announced that "self-defence groups" of the Georgian opposition would soon start patrolling; however, Emil Adelkhanov, deputy chairman of the Caucasian Institute for Peace, Democracy and Development, said that the groups are still inoperative.
"Although it's not clear, whether they exist or not. The point is that some intellectuals suggested creating such groups of self-defence, comprised of singers, writers and poets. Not to be engaged in hand-to-hand fights. It was planned that groups of 10-15 persons would patrol streets with a video camera and fix various violations of the order, attacks on oppositionists and so on," Emil Adelkhanov said to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.
The idea to set up such groups of self-defence of the opposition was moved in the context of more frequent episodes of physical violence against supporters and activists.
So far, in total, 11 beatings, 2 cases of intimidations and threats, one kidnapping of people from the rally, 3 detentions, 3 attempts to attack, one disappearance, one wounded man, one car hijacking and six attackers in civilians have been registered.
According to Mr Adelkhanov, in none of the cases the attackers were identified. Representatives of the "Coalition of NGOs" assert that any attempts to apply to the police fail.
Author: Dmitry Florin Source: CK correspondent
