COPENHAGEN, 10 February 2012 – João Soares, OSCE PA President Emeritus and Special Representative for South Caucasus today expressed concern regarding reports of a law enforcement raid on the Tskinvali headquarters of Alla Dzhioyeva, former education minister and former opposition candidate, which left Dzhioyeva hospitalized with injuries.

"I call on the relevant authorities in the region of South Ossetia to respect the rule of law and human rights. This incident clearly needs to be properly investigated," said Soares "after all, the outcome of democratic elections is to be decided by the voters."