Public Defender Levan Ioseliani responds to Giorgi Futkaradze, the head of “Reformer Fitness” LLC, stating that discrimination on any grounds is prohibited in Georgia.
According to a statement released by the Public Defender’s Office, the public statement issued by “Reformer Fitness” serves personal goals, manipulates the issue of Georgia’s occupation, and spreads a false narrative aimed at discrediting the Public Defender and their office.
“The Public Defender responds to the information publicly disseminated by ‘Reformer Fitness’ LLC and declares that discrimination on any grounds is prohibited in Georgia. The Public Defender of Georgia, as the institution overseeing the elimination of discrimination, will investigate the claims of anyone who considers themselves a victim of discrimination. Furthermore, during the process of thoroughly examining a case, the office informs the respondent and requests relevant information. The principle of prohibiting discrimination also applies to private entities providing services to customers. The anti-discrimination law clearly states that the principle of equal treatment applies to access to publicly available goods and services. Additionally, it is noteworthy that, following the Association Agreement with the European Union in 2014, the Georgian Parliament adopted the Law of Georgia ‘On the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination,’ which serves as a consolidated mechanism for the legislative implementation of the principle of eliminating discrimination enshrined in Article 11 of the Constitution. The function of eliminating and overseeing discrimination was assigned to the Public Defender of Georgia by law. Within the framework of standard procedures, we requested information and a response from ‘Reformer Fitness’ LLC, which is crucial for assessing potential discrimination and thoroughly examining the case. However, the company’s public statement serves personal goals, manipulates the particularly sensitive issue of Georgia’s occupation, and simultaneously spreads a false narrative aimed at discrediting the Public Defender and their office. Once again, we unequivocally clarify that the Public Defender is not only authorized but obligated to investigate any claims received by the office, and portraying the issue as if the Public Defender should not respond to claims from citizens of certain countries, including the Russian Federation, contradicts both international and local legislation, as well as the principles of equality and the rule of law. The Public Defender will continue to investigate and respond to claims of discrimination, regardless of the applicant’s citizenship or nationality,” the Public Defender’s statement reads.
For reference, on September 19, a Russian citizen filed a complaint with Public Defender Levan Ioseliani, alleging that “Reformer Fitness” denied them service. Levan Ioseliani requested Giorgi Futkaradze to provide a position regarding the complaint. The director of “Reformer Fitness” explained that private businesses and owners are entitled to choose their customers.
“We will not serve citizens of the occupying country who visit our country unless they confirm in writing their respect for the sovereignty of Georgia and Ukraine,” stated Giorgi Futkaradze.
Public Defender on “Reformer Fitness” LLC: Discrimination on any grounds is prohibited in Georgia, and our office will investigate the claims of anyone who considers themselves a victim of discrimination
