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Compiled by Messenger staff
Friday, April 10
Czech Republic makes an announcement about April 9 rally

Rezonansi reports that the Czech Republic, as the holder of the EU Presidency, has made an announcement in the name of the EU concerning the April 9 rally.

In the announcement the European Union convokes all sides, the Government, demonstration organizers and participants, to behave with a sense of responsibility and act within the framework of the law. It also says that freedom of speech and expressing opinion via meetings are major values of a democracy, and that political pluralism and constructive dialogue with the Government will always be the best alternative for the Georgian people.



Journalists attacked by patrol police

Sakartvelos Respublika reports that at a plenary session of Parliament Vice Speaker Levan Vephkhvadze asked for appropriate action to be taken after the patrol police behaved violently towards two journalists.

Vepkhvadze protested against the violations of the rights of Versia journalists Khavtasi and Komakhidze. He said that although the patrol police knew their profession they beat them and even tried to push one of them into their car. Vephkhvadze said that a criminal case should be started against those responsible, under at least two paragraphs of the Criminal Code, those dealing with hindering the work of a journalist and state officers exceeding their authority. He added that punishing those who committed these violations will create a precedent which may prevent a repetition of such behaviour.



Tbilisi City Hall develops alternative transport routes

24 Saati reports that Tbilisi City Hall has developed a network of alternative transport routes. In case some parts of the city are blocked by demonstrations, citizens will be given alternate routes they can follow, a plan of which will be available on the City Hall website www.tbilisi.gov.ge.



Orphans will be assisted

Sakartvelos Respublika reports that the Minister of Health, Labour and Social Protection, Sandro Kvitashvili, has visited the Saguramo orphaned infants’ home to learn about the conditions and problems there.

“Responsibility for boarding schools and orphanages was transferred to our office from the Ministry of Education in January. At present a working group is busy introducing an identity card system. This will help us resolve the problems more easily with our own resources in future. Our aim is to do our best to improve the living conditions of these children. This year we managed to provide them with insurance,” said Sandro Kvitashvili.