PM Kvirikashvili Releases Statement after being Expelled from Rally

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili has made an address from the governmental administration after the crowd on Rustaveli Avenue refused to listen to him when he arrived at the protest rally dedicated to the case of two murdered teenagers in central Tbilisi.

“Our government is the people’s government…This is why I decided to go to the rally and first of all to the father of a murdered child. I knew there would be provocations. My arrival there was accepted by the majority of people but a politically motivated group did not let me speak,” the PM stated

Kvirikashvili stated the investigation will be re-launched from Friday, and added that the Minister of Internal Affairs, Giorgi Gakharia, will lead the process and periodically inform the public about the results.

The PM added that Parliament had decided to set up an investigative group where the opposition will be represented as well as the majority, united in supervizing the process.

Of Chief Prosecutor Irakli Shotadze’s resignation, Kvirikashvili said he approves of his decision to quit amid the doubts and questions regarding the case.

According to Kvirikashvili, the process of selecting a new Chief Prosecutor will start as soon as possible. He emphasized that the opposition, NGOs and society would be involved in the selection process in order to eliminate any doubts regarding a new Prosecutor General.

“I want to guarantee the deceased children’s parents and relatives that they will receive maximum information about the investigation…this communication will be intense,” Kvirikashvili said. “I take it as my personal responsibility to get results in this case. This is our response to the families of the victims and to political groups.”

The PM also commented on the calls for his resignation, saying that when he is sure this step will benefit the country, he will definitely take it.

“But today, the moment has not come…The post means nothing to me, for me it is important to keep stability in the country,” the Prime Minister said.

By Thea Morrison

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