SET NAMES 'utf8'

Module start 'content'

<p>
On 15 December 2009, the police raided an office of the Inclusive Foundation, ILGA-Europe’s member organisation in Georgia, and arrested Paata Sabelashvili, leader of the Inclusive Foundation and a member of ILGA-Europe’s Executive Board.<br /> </p>

<p>
ILGA-Europe is shocked by the conduct of the Georgian police, which had clearly homophobic motives. ILGA-Europe demands the immediate release of Paata Sabelashvili.<br />
 <br />
 Linda Freimane, Co-Chair of the Executive Board of ILGA-Europe, said:<br />
 <br />
 “We are very troubled by this news. The information we have received from Georgia indicates that the police acted disproportionately and completely ignored basic rule of law. Moreover, we are extremely concerned about the safety of Paata Sabelashvili, who is not allowed any contact with the outside world.”<br />
 <br />
 Martin K.I. Christensen, Co-Chair of the Executive Board of ILGA-Europe, added:<br />
 <br /> “ILGA-Europe is in very close contact with our member organisation in Georgia and monitors the situation. We are compiling the facts and details so we can bring this shocking situation to the attention of various European institutions and eventually ensure that Georgian authorities behave in accordance with the rule or law and agreed international human rights standards. We will be releasing any further information as soon as we have more details”.</p><p>
<i>Below is a statement of the Inclusive Foundation containing further details about the police raid and the arrest of Paata Sabelashvili.</i><br /> </p>

Module end 'content'

End