“Freedom of expression applies to the workplace, and public servants have the constitutional right to practice it,” The Public Defender declared on Wednesday that “any personnel-linked decisions made in the public sector must be in line with the constitutional guarantees for the protection of this right and must not be arbitrary.”

The Public Defender’s Office echoed the appeal of the Tbilisi City Hall employees as well as the issue of labour rights of public servants employed in other public institutions.

“The Public Defender emphasises the principle of equality and reminds the heads of public institutions that it is unacceptable and unlawful to dismiss public servants based on their freely disclosed civil stance or beliefs. The Public Defender emphasises the importance of freedom of expression and will investigate the facts of potential violations of their rights,” reads the statement.