Portrait of former Georgian ex-prime minister defaced
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 31 January 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Portrait of former Georgian ex-prime minister defaced, 31 January 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/533144d411.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 31, 2014
Former Georgian Prime Minister Vano Merabishvili
A massive portrait of Georgia's detained former Prime Minister Vano Merabishvili, was defaced with red paint overnight in the capital, Tbilisi.
The banner hangs on an outside wall of the headquarters of his party, the United National Movement (ENM).
Meanwhile, dozens of former inmates released in an amnesty last year rallied in front of the same building on January 31, demanding that the ENM and its leaders, including former President Mikheil Saakashvili, be brought to trial for "crimes they committed."
The action took place one day after Georgian authorities launched an investigation into an undated YouTube video that shows Merabishvili, who was also defense minister, ordering military personnel to bring him "two corpses."
Saakashvili and other former officials also appear in the footage.
Merabishvili has been under arrest since May 2013, charged with abuse of power, embezzlement, and covering up a murder.
Based on reporting by newsgeorgia.ru and apsny.ge
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
