Ex-State Minister Joins Rights Activist Group

Ex-State Minister Giorgi Khaindrava, who was sacked on July 21 for not following the official line of the cabinet over various issues, announced on Monday that he has joined the Equality Institute, a human rights group.

?We will oppose and speak out against injustice and illegality no matter who is in the government,? Khaindrava said on July 31.

The Equality Institute became known for its harsh criticism of Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili, accusing him of being responsible for police violence. In recent months the group has held a series of protest rallies in Tbilisi demanding a fair investigation of the high-profile murder case of Sandro Girgvliani.

Four activists, including organization leader Irakli Kakabadze, were released on July 29 after serving a 30-day prison sentence for the violation of public order outside the Court of Appeals in Tbilisi. Their arrest was condemned by Public Defender Sozar Subari as illegal.

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)