Press release

TASHKENT, 31 March 2006 - The Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Karel De Gucht, has expressed his concern about violent incidents that occurred in Georgia's Tbilisi prison No. 5 in the early hours of 27 March.

"We regret the death of seven inmates and the injury of a large number of prisoners as well as several servicemen from the Government's Special Task Forces" , he said.

"We note that different reports on the exact circumstances of the events have been circulated and a lack of clarity exists", the Chairman-in-Office added.

"I believe it would be appropriate to set up an independent and public enquiry to investigate the events, including allegations of a disproportionate use of force by government troops which resulted in a large number of victims", stated Minister De Gucht.