MEPs condemn the ongoing violence against peaceful protesters in Georgia

Joint statement by leading MEPs on the use of force against protesters opposing the draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence” in Georgia.

“We are deeply worried about the situation in Georgia and we condemn the violence against peaceful protesters and opposition politicians who are demonstrating against the draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence”. We call on the Georgian Government to urgently de-escalate the situation and stop using force against peaceful protesters. We reiterate that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental right, which needs to be rigorously respected.

We have already expressed our concern about the re-introduction of the controversial draft law, which is an attack on independent media and civil society organisations. If adopted, this law will jeopardise Georgia’s progress on the EU path. We call on the Georgian leadership to withdraw the draft law and concentrate their efforts on reforms necessary for the accession to the EU and NATO.

The Georgian people are defending freedom, democracy and European future. They do not want to be part of the Russian orbit. We urge Georgian leaders to meet the expectations of their citizens and not block their legitimate European aspirations.

We express our full solidarity with the Georgian people who are showing their indefatigable attachment to democracy, European values and to Georgia’s path towards the European Union.”