2017-01-11
The Prime Minister of Georgia clarified his statement on violations at nightclubs under the Rose Square in order to right its subsequent misinterpretations.
According to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, a lamentable reality is found at nightclubs, most of which are concentrated in this area.
"I mentioned that ethnic Georgian men are denied entrance. Somehow, it was misinterpreted as though I wanted to make sure Georgian men are admitted into nightclubs. No, my friends! It is unfortunate that this is how some have interpreted my words. What bothers me is that prostitution, involving, among others, our underage citizens, is practiced at these establishments. No Georgian man will ever tolerate what is happening there, and this is why Georgian men are not admitted into these places. This is the harsh reality facing us, and I instructed the Interior Minister to take action against this reality. I also asked my Human Rights and Gender Equality Assistant Sopo Japaridze to study this issue in terms of possible violations of the Antidiscrimination Law, because only women are admitted into these establishments, while men are denied entrance. For those who drew, and intended to draw, wrong conclusions, I emphasize that denying entrance to Georgian men is a problem only because underage Georgian women are engaged in prostitution at these establishments. It is a big problem. Moreover, it insults me as a son of this country, which is why it is crucial to solve this problem as soon as possible," the Prime Minister stated.
The Head of Government pointed out that emotions must be restrained, and everything must be done in full compliance with the law, so that only state institutions may address this issue, ensuring against spontaneous attempts to deal with it.
"I understand very well that this is a very sensitive issue for everyone, including me, but it is about a violation of the law, and no one is allowed to violate Georgian legislation, including foreign investors in those establishments. According to my information, many violations are committed there, and prostitution is illegal in Georgia. It is especially grievous because underage women are engaged in prostitution. To illustrate and underscore this point, I made reference to women being admitted exclusively and men being denied entrance, because it must tear at a Georgian man's heart to see what is happening there. It is also a matter of national pride. We must address this problem, and we must ensure against overwhelming emotions triggering spontaneous efforts to solve this issue. On the contrary, I made this issue public and instructed state institutions because it is their job to solve this problem in compliance with the law," the Prime Minister said.
The Head of Government also clarified the primary role of the Minister of Interior in solving the problem. Since the issue of quite multifaceted, however, the Prime Minister's Assistant on Human Rights and Gender Equality Sopo Japaridze will also engage in this process.
Prime Minister's Press Office