Criticism of Mikheil Saakashvili
From Wikinfo
There have been criticisms about Georgia's president, Mikheil Saakashvili, monopolizing power since his coming to office in 2004. However, the government's human rights record has shown improvement in many areas compared to that of the Shevardnadze era, though some problems still remain.[1][2][3]
Saakashvili has occasionally used aggressive language, an example of which was reported by Amnesty International around the time of the President's inauguration. At a news briefing on 12 January, Saakashvili advised the then Justice Minister "to use force when dealing with any attempt to stage prison riots, and to open fire, shoot to kill and destroy any criminal who attempts to cause turmoil. We will not spare bullets against these people." Saakashvili in his inaugural speech stated that "now it is time for the government to be afraid of people."[4]
In 2004 a new media law sparked controversy, with fourteen Georgian civil society leaders and Georgian experts writing an open letter to the President, published in several national newspapers, claiming "Intolerance towards people with different opinions is being planted in Georgian politics and in other spheres of social life".
On March 27 2006 the government announced that it had prevented a nation-wide prison riot plotted by criminal kingpins. The police operation ended with the deaths of 7 inmates and at least 17 injuries. While the Parliamentary opposition has cast doubts over the official version and demanded an independent investigation, the ruling party has been able to vote down such initiatives.[5].
The conduct of the Sandro Girgvliani Murder Case has also raised eyebrows at home and abroad. Several senior Interior Ministry officials were alleged to have played active roles in the murder, yet despite a series of resignations and sackings, only four low-ranking individuals, that were directly engaged in the case have been prosecuted. In addition to this, Georgian businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili, has claimed that pressure has been exerted on his financial interests after Imedi Television broadcast several accusations against officials. On October 25, 2007, former defence minister Irakli Okruashvili accused his former ally president in planning Patarkatsishvili's murder.[6].[7][8] Okruashvili was detained two days later on charges of extortion, money laundering, and abuse of office.[9] However, in a video taped confession released by the General Prosecutor's Office on October 8, 2007; in which Okruashvili pleaded guilty to large-scale bribery through extortion and negligence while serving as minister; he retracted his accusations against the president and said that he did so to gain some political benefit and that Badri Patarkatsishvili told him to do so.[10] Okruashvili's lawyer and other opposition leaders said his retraction had been made under duress.[11]
The BHHRG has frequently claimed that the new government immediately set out to settle scores with Shevardnadze era officials. Many former ministers, local administrators and businessmen associated with the former regime were arrested for abuse of office. Some Western organisations were concerned by the live broadcasting of these arrests and by President Saakashvili's occasional appearances on television to denounce the suspects, before any charges were laid.
On June 30 2005 riot police and special military forces carrying machine guns violently dispersed hundreds of protesters blocking a major road in Tbilisi. It started as protest against the arrest of two well-known sportsmen accused in blackmail but soon grew into a demonstration against the central authorities. 25 people were arrested including 5 members of opposition parties.[12] In November 2007 another series of demonstrations forced Saakashvili to set the prescheduled presidential elections for January 5, 2008.[13]
In spite of these criticisms many European and U.S. commentators have lauded the new government for taking bold measures in the fight against corruption. In addition, the U.S. State Department noted[1] that during 2005 'the government amended several laws and increased the amount of investigations and prosecutions reducing the amount of abuse and ill-treatment in pre-trial detention facilities'. The status of religious freedom also improved due to increased investigation and prosecution of those harassing followers of non-traditional faiths.[1][14]
References
- ^ a b The Human Rights Watchoverviw of Georgia, 2005
- ^ The United States Department of State Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2004
- ^ The Freedom House Country report: Georgia (2005). See also Freedom in the World 2006
- ^ The official site of the President of Georgia
- ^ PROTESTS, ACCUSATIONS, AND RIOTS SHAKE GEORGIA
- ^ Praise, Scorn For Accusations Against Georgia President
- ^ Georgia's Ex-Minister Assails President - Forbes, Associated Press
- ^ Okruashvili Ups Ante on Former Allies - The Georgian Times
- ^ Former Defense Minister Detained In Georgia. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. September 27, 2007.
- ^ Okruashvili May Be Freed on Bail after Pleading Guilty. Civil Georgia, 2007-10-08.
- ^ Court sets Georgia's former defense minister free on bail. International Herald Tribune. October 8, 2007.
- ^ Georgia: Opposition Lawmakers Protest Violence Against Demonstrators
- ^ Saakashvili Calls Snap Presidential Polls, Referendum. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-08.
- ^ The U.S. Department of State International Religious Freedom Report 2005: Georgia
