Six thousand sign petition in Saralidze's support

The signatories to the petition have called on Georgian authorities to allow Zaza Saralidze, the father of the murdered schoolboy, to hold his protest action at the parliament building, where Tbilisi Mayoralty plans to set up a New Year Tree.

On November 9, the Mayoralty demanded from Saralidze to stop his action at the building, since they wanted to set up a New Year Tree there. Mr Saralidze believes that the protesters will not interfere with the holiday preparations. On November 10, activists set up tents at the parliament for the whole night; and policemen did not dismantle them.

Zaza Saralidze has stated that he will continue his protest until the killers of his son are punished, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

Residents of Georgia have actively supported the petition in Saralidze's support posted on the "Care2" website.

"We choose the man and refuse from the New Year Tree!" says the petition.

For the Georgian Government to consider it, signatures of 10,000 people are needed.

The petition was posted after a protesters' scuffle with the policemen, who took away their tents on November 10.

As explained by Giorgi Gakhariya, the Georgian Interior Minister, who spoke on air of the "Rustavi-2" TV, policemen's actions were intended to protect citizens, including activists, from provocations. According to his version, "the grief of one person (Zaza Saralidze) is used in narrow partisan interests."