The Ambassadorial Working Group is deeply concerned over the recent release of illegally recorded videos. This targeting of politicians and public figures displays a contempt for the democratic principles upon which Georgia is founded.

We condemn all forms of such abuse and commend the strong statements made by Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and President Giorgi Margvelashvili in support of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Ambassadorial Working Group applauds the Georgian people for the broad and firm expressions of solidarity against these acts.  An effective, transparent and expedited investigation is now paramount to bring this matter to an end, while society engages in constructive dialogue around protecting human rights and individual privacy.

15 March 2016