**Speaker Pledges Stability as Arrests and Violence Continue**
Georgian Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has assured supporters of the ruling Georgian Dream party that everything will be okay, despite ongoing mass arrests and beatings of demonstrators, journalists, and opposition representatives. He urged an end to violence and aggression, and for people inside and outside the country to accept the results of the recent elections.
**Amendment to Law on Civil Service Announced**
Parliamentary majority leader Mamuka Mdinaradze announced plans to introduce an amendment to the Law on Civil Service, which will simplify issues related to reorganization in the public sector. However, critics argue that this move may be used as a pretext to ease out dissenting officials.
**Peaceful Demonstrators Face Retaliation**
Two peaceful demonstrators who were arrested and beaten during protests have been fined for alleged hooliganism and disobeying lawful orders. Saba Chankvetadze was fined 2200 GEL, while Luka Kotiashvili received a fine of 2000 GEL.
**Former Defense Minister Wins Defamation Case**
David Kezerashvili, former Georgian Defense Minister, has won a defamation case against the BBC. The broadcaster has removed all content related to him, including investigative reports and articles that accused him of involvement in illicit financial activities.
**EU Ambassador Condemns Violence**
EU Ambassador Paweł Herczyński condemned the violence against demonstrators and journalists in Tbilisi, stating that the EU has put all options on the table to discuss possible consequences for the Georgian authorities. This includes sanctions and suspension of visa-free travel for some categories of passports.
**UK Reduces Support for Georgian Government**
The UK has reduced its support and engagement with the Georgian Dream government in response to the recent crackdown on protests in Georgia. The UK will suspend all program support, restrict defense cooperation, and limit engagement with representatives of the Georgian Dream government.
**US Calls for Sanctions Against Bidzina Ivanishvili**
U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Representative Joe Wilson has called for immediate sanctioning of Bidzina Ivanishvili and his Georgian Dream cronies. “The illegitimate puppet government of Georgia continues to brutally crack down on Georgians,” he said.
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