A group of Georgian parliamentarian who were held by the Belarus special services for three days were deported to Georgia late on March 18. The Georgian MPs arrived in Minks to monitor March 19 presidential elections.

“We were held by the Belarus special services immediately after our arrive [on March 16]. We were then taken to unknown building where we were interrogated as alleged witnesses into the case related to terrorism. Several Georgian citizens are accused of terrorism attempt [by the Belarus authorities], including [Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Defense and Security] Givi Targamadze,” MP Davit Kirkitadze told reporters upon arrival in Tbilisi.

“Each of the parliamentarian was guarded by four persons. Initially they told us that there was something wrong with our passports. During the three days we were held without any explanations. So this proves once again that the Belarus authorities are afraid of free observers and free opinion,” MP Bidzina Bregadze said.