The Public Defender of Georgia expresses sorrow over the tragedy that occurred in the Didi Dighomi district of Tbilisi and offers sympathy to the family members and relatives of the deceased.

The Public Defender considers that the Government should make every effort to ensure that the victims of this tragedy receive full medical, psychological and financial assistance.

In addition, the Public Defender expresses hope that, given the scope and seriousness of the tragedy, the investigative authorities will study the causes of the devastating explosion and identify the responsible individuals as soon as possible.

The Public Defender once again calls on the authorities to determine a specific list of construction materials that are prohibited to use, since many construction materials are of unsustainable, burnable or other harmful nature. It is also necessary to improve the legislative safeguards against fire.