Thousands rally in Georgia as protests continue over prison abuse
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 22 September 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Thousands rally in Georgia as protests continue over prison abuse, 22 September 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5069a90d2.html [accessed 17 September 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. |
September 22, 2012
The Georgian Dream coalition led by Bidzina Ivanishvili rallied in Zugdidi on September 22.
Georgian media reports say a massive opposition rally has been held in the western city of Zugdidi, as protests over a prison abuse scandal continued in Georgia.
The scandal began after opposition TV channels aired video footage showing the abuse of inmates by prison guards.
It came just days before the October 1 parliamentary election in which President Mikheil Saakashvili's ruling party will face a challenge from an opposition bloc led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.
Ivanishvili, addressing the Zugdidi rally, said the prison-abuse scandal showed "the true face of the Saakashvili regime," but also urged restraint in the run-up to the election.
Student protests were also held on September 22 in the capital, Tbilisi.
Two ministers have resigned over the scandal and Saakashvili has promised an overhaul of the prison system.
Based on reporting by dpa, Civil.ge, and Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website