On August 26, 2021, Nino Lomjaria, Public Defender of Georgia, met with Julien Crampes, Acting Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia.

The parties discussed issues related to the pre-election environment. The Public Defender spoke about the complaints filed by political parties with the Public Defender’s Office, mainly concerning alleged political pressure, harassment, dismissal and other threats. The Public Defender actively examines alleged violations, communicates with members of political parties and will respond to the relevant cases in accordance with her mandate.

Other topics discussed at the meeting were the epidemiological situation in the country and the dangers posed by the pandemic; The Public Defender noted that in order to protect the rights to life and health and to stop the growing death toll, it is appropriate to start a political discussion of the postponment of elections.

The increased number of cases of violence against journalists, especially the events of July 5, and the shortcomings in the ongoing investigation were also highlighted at the meeting.