U.S. Embassy Condemns Violence in Adjara

The U.S. Embassy to Georgia reiterates its strong support to free and fair elections in Georgia and condemns the recent violence in the capital of Adjara Autonomous Republic, Batumi.

“Parties across the political spectrum agreed to support a Scorecard for Georgian Elections advanced by former Secretary of State James Baker during his July 5-6 visit to Tbilisi, which included as point 3 “All political actors will refrain from violence, or incitement to violence, threats and intimidation during the election campaign, the election itself, and the election’s aftermath,” the news release issued by the U.S. Embassy on October 24 reads.

The Embassy calls on all parties to renew their commitment to the Baker’s Scorecard and refrain from violence. The United States encourages the Georgian authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and make appropriate action against those responsible.

On October 23 the Adjarian authorities foiled the protest rally of the opposition National Movement in Batumi, causing the clash between the police and the National Movement supporters.