Health Minister: UNM has no right to speak about violence

Georgia's Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze has said the opposition United National Movement (UNM) has no moral authority to speak about violence or systemic abuses, while defending the government's response to the case involving law enforcement officers.

Speaking to journalists, Sarjveladze said the authorities had reacted immediately and appropriately to the incident which allegedly involved the assault of a citizen by police officers.

"The United National Movement certainly has no right to speak about violence, systemic crimes and similar issues. They have no moral authority to do so, and society, including their own supporters, knows this very well," he said.

Sarjveladze argued that the incident had received both legal and political scrutiny and that the state's response was swift and consistent with the principles of the rule of law.

"What we witnessed required a legal response. The reaction was immediate, and the necessary legal and moral assessments were made. Everything has proceeded in accordance with the standards of a state governed by the rule of law," he said.

The minister also commented on the victim’s health, saying his condition remained under control and that all necessary medical services would be provided if required.

"There is no reason to draw alarming conclusions about his health condition. Everything is under control, and if any treatment becomes necessary, all relevant services will be provided," Sarjveladze said.

The man was taken to hospital on 28 May after his condition reportedly deteriorated following an alleged assault by police officers. Several people have been detained in connection with the case, which remains under investigation.