EU Criticizes Georgia‘s Response to Pro-EU Protests
The European Union has spoken out against the Georgian government’s handling of ongoing pro-EU protests. Anitta Hipper, the EU’s lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, issued a statement on December 10.
The statement said that over 400 people have been detained and more than 300 have suffered violence and ill-treatment during recent demonstrations. The EU is concerned about “repressive actions” against protesters, journalists, and opposition leaders.
EU Demands Action
The spokesperson called for the immediate release of all detained individuals and an end to political persecution. She warned that Georgia’s actions could damage relations with the EU. “The persistent democratic backslide and recent repressive means used by Georgian authorities have consequences for our bilateral relations,” she said.
The EU is urging the Georgian government to de-escalate the situation and demands credible investigations into allegations of torture and ill-treatment. The union also stresses the importance of respecting fundamental rights, including freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.
“We urge Georgian Dream to de-escalate and put an end to this environment that comes with severe costs for the Georgian people,” said Spokesperson Hipper. “Violence is not the answer to the protesters’ demands for Georgia’s democratic and European future.”
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