**35 Countries Condemn Police Violence in Georgia**
On December 11, 35 countries made a statement at the Council of Europe condemning police violence and supporting the people of Georgia. They said they stand with the Georgian people and their choice for a European future.
The countries also spoke out against repression against peaceful demonstrators and journalists. They called on the Georgian authorities to put an end to the violence and intimidation immediately and guarantee the rights to freedom of assembly and expression.
**Countries Criticize Government**
At the Council of Europe, 35 countries said Irakli Kobakhidze’s statement not to pursue EU accession negotiations is in violation of the Georgian Constitution. They strongly condemned the violence against peaceful demonstrators who are standing firm for their European and democratic future.
The statement also noted with grave concern violence and intimidation against activists, media, and the opposition. The countries urged the authorities to cease the violence immediately and guarantee the rights to freedom of assembly and expression.
**Journalists Also Targeted**
31 countries aligned themselves with the Group of Friends on media freedom and listed instances of violence and detentions, including against journalists. They said these developments are contrary to the values promoted by the Council of Europe and infringe on fundamental rights guaranteed by the European Convention of Human Rights.
The countries called on the Georgian authorities to repeal laws adopted in contradiction with international commitments and put an end to the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators, including journalists.
**Journalists Must Be Free to Do Their Work**
The Group of Friends concluded that journalists and other media workers must be able to freely do their work without fear of intimidation or violence. They called on the Georgian authorities to fully respect their commitments to media freedom and the safety of journalists.
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