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THOUSANDS OF OPPOSITION supporters rallied outside Georgia’s parliament for the second straight last night to denounce the 26 October election as illegitimate after the ruling party was declared the winner amid allegations of vote-rigging helped by Russia.
The protesters, who waved Georgian and European Union flags, demanded a new parliamentary election under international supervision and an investigation of the alleged ballot irregularities.
Opposition leaders vowed to boycott sessions of parliament and hold regular protests until their demands are met.
“We will not accept illegitimate elections, we will not recognise an illegitimate parliament,” said Badri Japaridze, leader of the Lelo Strong Georgia Coalition.
“We will not go to that parliament, and we will not let (the ruling party) Georgian Dream announce itself as the legitimate representative of the Georgian people, because they have stolen the elections.
“This is a special operation backed by Russia, where the future of the Georgian people has been stolen, and we will not accept that.”
Yesterday’s protest took place under the watch of riot police, reflecting the simmering political tensions in the South Caucasus country of 3.7 million people that lies between Russia and Turkey.
The Central Election Commission said Georgian Dream won about 54% of the vote. Its leaders have rejected the opposition claims of vote fraud.
President Salome Zourabichvili, who has rejected the official results, says Georgia has fallen victim to pressure from Moscow against joining the EU.
Zourabichvili, who holds a mostly ceremonial position, has urged the United States and EU to support the demonstrations.
Officials in Washington and Brussels have urged a full investigation of the election, while the Kremlin has rejected the accusations of interference.
Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the United National Movement Coalition, said that the opposition is urging the West not to recognise the vote and will gather more evidence of violations to push for a new election.
He vowed to organise protests not only in the capital but across the country.
Georgian Dream, which has been in power since 2012, was established by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire who made his fortune in Russia.
The opposition has accused it of becoming increasingly authoritarian and tilted toward Moscow. It has recently adopted laws similar to those used by the Kremlin to crack down on freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights.
European election observers said the election took place in a “divisive” atmosphere marked by instances of bribery, double voting and physical violence. Observers said instances of intimidation and other violations were particularly prevalent in rural areas.
The EU suspended Georgia’s membership application process indefinitely because of its passage in June of a Russian-style “foreign influence law”. Many Georgians viewed the parliamentary election as a pivotal referendum on the country’s effort to join the EU.
Georgian Dream promised to continue pushing toward EU accession but it also wants to “reset” ties with Russia, the country’s former imperial master. In 2008, Georgia fought and lost a brief war with Moscow, which then recognised the independence of two breakaway Georgian regions and bolstered its military presence there.
Georgia’s prosecutors last week launched an investigation of the alleged vote-rigging. The opposition immediately objected that the Prosecutor’s Office would not conduct an independent investigation because its head was appointed by the Georgian Dream-controlled parliament.
The investigation was requested by the Central Election Commission and Zourabichvili was summoned for questioning on Thursday about the allegations.
Others “who may possess information related to the alleged criminal act” also would be questioned, the Prosecutor’s Office said.
Zourabichvili said she would not obey the summons, arguing that the prosecutors should have found the evidence itself.
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The dogs in the street could have told you that. I wouldn’t think there has ever been a person who at least once in their lives that fancied someone and bought them a drink, doing it hoping that pulling would be easier.
Yes. bought them a drink because they’re in a bar. What would you suggest to offer to buy someone in that situation? Ice cream?
I think the meaning of my statement went over your head.
No person has the right to sexually assault another no matter what the situation.
Lorraine I totally agree with you there. In no way do I condone any degree of non consensual sexual activity no matter what the circumstances are. I merely draw attention to what might be construed as a lack of culpability in certain cases.
Spoken like a true rapist Tom.
What exactly is their message here?
I read it as the societal perception of drunk women as sexual targets needs to change because rapists can use it to justify the rape to themselves. Also, I think the message is there that women need to be aware of their vulnerability to predators when drunk. Regardless of this rape is rape and the blame fully lies on the perpetrators.
That in most cases there is no “spiked drink”, there is just drink.
You gob shite
Check out ‘Embarrassing Irish nightlife photos’ on facebook. Should answer any questions you may have about this article.
I would have thought the message was quiet simple. Be aware!
Last paragraph is so important.
I think you need to take in fairness out of that sentence Tom , there’s nothing fair in it at all just your sad deluded prejudice.
Ah I’ve just had a look ‘Tom Fitzgerald’ is a sham twitter account only set up to post to the journal, no doubt there’s seven other trolling replies elsewhere.
Well done Columbo. Now off you go to solve some other crimes. Idiot!
Privacy is clearly an abhorrent thing and should be stamped out wherever possible.
Tom, if you’re gonna troll at least make it funny.
All yo have to do is go to coppers to see that……..shudder!
too see the number of men tittering and jeering over on the club orange threads today, talking about tatays,bit,knockers etc etc it is clear that Irish women are living in a rapey culture. Advertisements use womens body parts to sell crap, and now we learn the shit in bed Irish man has to use drink to get his gander up.
and of course the poor Irish women has to guzzle a load of drink down her just to tolerate the one minute man experience.
I very much agree that alcohol is often used as a rape-drug, often with women as the targets. I also agree with all the drink aware adverts that tell us we should be careful when we drink to the point of excess and lose self-control.
So why is it often considered taboo for both the messages to be heeded at the same time? (N.B. – IMO the onus of rape is of course always the fault of the perpetrator, never the victim – people must know that they also have a responsibility to look after themselves, not only in case they are raped, but to safeguard against other crimes such as assault or mugging; again, two crimes that are entirely the fault of the perp, but we must still be wary for our own safety)
Alcohol is widely accepted in Ireland, no doubt about that. But to call it a rape drug? Girls should know that if they consume alcohol, that they are more at risk. Not that I am saying that it’s okay, not at all, but when a girl gets totally locked, she should be double as careful I would say. Best thing is to drink at home or go out and drink in a moderate way.
And not as usual, havin a few drinks at sum friends place, then headin out, having a naggin of gin or whatever on the way to the pub/club and already be pissed by the time you walk in, to continue drinking rediculous amounts of mixers in the place.
oh here we go all the thumbs down from the limp dicks who know I am talking the truth. Go and buy some viagra boys, and then try to meet consenting women. And try to pretend you don’t think she’s a piece of meat when you refer to her knockers, bits for the 60 seconds youre at it.
Better still go and listen to a bit of Marvin Gaye.
Jesus Mary you have had some bad experiences! This is a sensitive topic and your comments add no value to the thread. I suggest you get help instead of airing your issues on here:)
yeah Paddy anything to avoid the truth that Irish men are shIte when it comes to dealing with women.
A headline in a newspaper today says the risk of junior cert girls being assaulted tonight is extremely high. Now where are 15 year old boys learning that behaviour? From their older peers who are on here tittering away about tits.The more thumbs down I get, the more nerves I am hitting.
Haters keep hating.
Good one Gav, it does work for both ugly/fat members of either sex though!
These idiotic comments can contribute to under reporting of sex offences. You should be less impulsive with your posting.
Must be how you met your wife so Gavin.
Yeah all women are helpless victims. Time for a reality check folks.
****..
Don’t drink and drive
While alcohol is a significant cause of date rape, the extensive use of date rape drugs should not be underestimated. A company named DrinkSavvy is helping to raise awareness and prevent drug facilitated date rape, by developing products that look and function just like regular cups, glasses, and straws/stirrers, except that they will immediately change color if a date rape drug is unknowingly slipped into your drink. If you agree with what they are doing, show your support by liking them on facebook http://www.facebook.com/SavvyTechnology. Thanks!
While alcohol is a significant cause of date rape, the extensive use of date rape drugs should not be underestimated. We at DrinkSavvy are helping to raise awareness and prevent drug facilitated date rape, by developing products that look and function just like regular cups, glasses, and straws/stirrers, except that they will immediately change color if a date rape drug is unknowingly slipped into your drink. If you agree with what we are doing, show your support by liking us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/SavvyTechnology. Thanks!
Separate Ireland from the damaging effects of alcohol? Is that possible?
have your say