Senior MP Rules Out ‘Political Repressions’ Against Opponents

Influential parliamentarian from the ruling National Movement party Giga Bokeria strongly denied at a news conference on September 9 opponents? allegations about an attempt from the government ?to silence and repress? dissenting opinion in the country.

Such allegations are often heard from the opposition parties? leaders, especially after the arrest of co-founder of private 202 television station Shalva Ramishvili in August, who is charged with extortion.

?All these talks about political repressions are absurd and groundless slander … The political will of the authorities is quite clear ? we will take care and defend the freedom of speech of any citizen of Georgia, including those of [Davit] Gamkrelidze [leader of the opposition New Rights] and [Shalva] Natelashvili [leader of the opposition Labor Party],? Giga Bokeria said at a news briefing. 

MP Giga Bokeria made a statement shortly before a press conference of President Mikheil Saakashvili, scheduled for this evening.

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