The Election Administration responds to the statement made by Ketevan Turazashvili, a representative of “Strong Georgia”, who refers to Teona Japaridze, a member of the Saburtalo Precinct Election Commission, as guilty and claims that the Central Election Commission [CEC] is covering for her.

“The Election Administration once again expresses its condolences on the passing of Ketevan Turazashvili"s father, Aleksandre Turazashvili, a member of the Saburtalo Precinct Election Commission. As publicly stated, investigative procedures regarding the death of Aleksandre Turazashvili are still ongoing. Despite this, the violation of the presumption of innocence continues, with references being made to possible unlawful actions by Teona Japaridze, a member of the Precinct Election Commission, as the cause of Aleksandre Turazashvili"s death. Such unfounded accusations, made without proper evidence or a completed investigation, not only exert direct pressure on a member of the Precinct Election Commission but also raise concerns that the tragedy is being manipulated to undermine the credibility of the Election Administration.

We emphasize once again that if, according to the procedures established by Georgian legislation, an unlawful action by an acting member of the commission is identified, the CEC will investigate the matter within its authority and take appropriate action. In the meantime, the Election Administration once again requests Ketevan Turazashvili to refrain from commenting until the competent authority concludes the ongoing investigation”, - reads the statement of CEC.