**EU Asked to Intervene in Georgian Crisis**
Four opposition groups in Georgia sent a joint letter to EU officials on December 11. The letter was written before the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
The groups asked for immediate EU intervention to stop political violence in Georgia. They said that peaceful protesters, journalists, and opposition figures are being treated badly by the government.
The opposition leaders made three main requests:
* All politicians and activists who have been detained should be released.
* Targeted sanctions should be imposed on Georgian Dream officials. These officials would also lose their visa-free travel privileges.
* EU leaders should strongly condemn the violent crackdowns on peaceful protesters and journalists.
The opposition said that the EU’s help is needed to stop Russian-backed authoritarianism in Georgia. They want new, fair elections under an improved electoral framework.
**Crisis Deepens**
The crisis in Georgia has gotten worse since November 28, when Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the country’s EU accession would be delayed until at least 2028.
Large-scale protests followed this announcement. The opposition said that these protests were met with excessive force by Georgian authorities. This included the use of tear gas, water cannons, and physical violence against demonstrators, opposition leaders, and journalists.
Reports also came in of torture and inhumane treatment. The public defender of Georgia described the brutality as “an understatement.”
**Opposition Criticizes Presidential Election**
The opposition also criticized the presidential election on December 14. They said that the candidate, Mikheil Kavelashvili, lacks independence and legitimacy.
International partners such as Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine, and the United States have already responded to the escalating violence in Georgia. The opposition hopes the EU will follow suit with decisive measures.
The opposition highlighted the importance of Georgia’s democratic and European future. They want the EU to play a role in de-escalating the situation in Georgia and restoring the country’s constitutional framework.
**Recent Developments**
* On December 14, Mikheil Kavelashvili was elected as President by the College of Georgian Dream MPs and local councilors.
* The International Press Institute (IPI) condemned violent attacks on journalists in Georgia on December 13.
* The OSCE Troika condemned the violent crackdown on protests in Georgia on December 13. They called for accountability.
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