8371 People Sign Petition in Support of Machalikashvili, Saralidze

8371 Georgians have signed a petition set up on Saturday in support of Zaza Saralidze, father of the murdered teen Davit, and Malkhaz Machalikashvili, whose son was killed in an anti-terrorist operation in December.

The petition was started after the November 10 protest rally at the old building of parliament on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi, escalated and turned into a physical confrontation when the police tried to hinder protesters while they were setting up tents.

“I reject the Christmas tree; I choose human life!” – is the slogan of the petition, the authors of which point out that if the authorities and the government of Tbilisi force the public to make a choice between human rights and a Christmas tree, they do not need such a tree.

Saralidze addressed the Mayor’s Office, asking permission to let him extend the rallies until December 31. However, he was told to change the location of the protests from December 7, as the area of the old building of the parliament is the place where the main New Year tree is traditionally placed in the capital.

The protesters have been refusing to leave the territory. Several NGOs and the Public Defender of Georgia also expressed support to Saralidze and Machalikashvili, saying the protest does not hinder people or transport movement, and they have the right to assemble and express their protest.

Tbilisi Mayor, Kakha Kaladze, explains that they haved not urge the protesters to leave the central part of the capital.

"Neither I nor the City Hall have the power or prerogative to allow or forbid the placement of tents by certain people. Our letter asks them to act in accordance with Article 10 of the Law of Georgia on Assembly and Demonstration and to take into account that a number of events are planned for December 15 and to change the time and place of their demonstration. It is not December yet. When December comes, we will make a decision together with our population what and how to proceed,” Kaladze said.

By Thea Morrison

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