**European Parliament Members Condemn Violence in Georgia**
Members of the European Parliament have expressed their concern over the worsening political crisis in Georgia. On January 16, they issued a joint statement condemning the attack on former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia and leader of opposition party For Georgia.
The MEPs are shocked by the news that Mr. Gakharia was violently assaulted in Batumi and treated in hospital. They see this as another example of escalating violence orchestrated by the Georgian Dream government against peaceful protesters and dissidents.
**Solidarity with Protesters**
The European Parliament members express solidarity with the Georgian protesters who have been demonstrating for over 50 days, demanding democratic reforms and Euro-Atlantic integration. They do not recognize the results of the parliamentary elections held on October 26, 2024, as they were fraudulent and did not meet international standards.
**Call for Sanctions**
The MEPs call on the EU and its member states to consider personal sanctions against key figures responsible for democratic backsliding in Georgia, including Bidzina Ivanishvili and Irakli Kobakhidze. They also urge the suspension of the EU-Georgia Association Council to avoid legitimizing the GD government.
**Early Elections**
The MEPs urgently call for early elections, conducted in an improved election environment, managed by an independent and impartial election administration with widespread international observation. This would ensure a genuinely free, fair, and transparent process that represents the will of the Georgian people.
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