MP Matikashvili dismisses Helsinki Commission statement on Georgia’s human rights situation, calling it ‘false’

David Matikashvili, Chair of the Procedural Issues Committee of the Georgian Parliament, on Saturday criticised the US Helsinki Commission ahead of its planned briefing on developments in Georgia, including concerns over the country’s human rights situation.

Commenting on the Commission’s announcement, Matikashvili said Georgian society has repeatedly heard what he described as false accusations and defamation directed at the country by the Helsinki Commission.

“We have already heard many lies and slander against Georgia from the Helsinki Commission. Radicals who have left Georgia and forces hostile to the country are constantly trying to harm their own homeland. However, the public knows the truth very well,” Matikashvili said.

He added that any statements made at the Helsinki Commission would not alter public understanding of the situation in Georgia and insisted that pressure or criticism from abroad would not influence the Georgian people.

“Regardless of what is said at the Helsinki Commission, the truth is one, and it is well known to society. Blackmail, pressure and coercion against our people and our country will not work,” Matikashvili stated.