The European Union demands an end to widespread intimidation, political persecution, torture and cruel treatment of citizens, - said the press spokesperson of the European Union, Anitta Hipper, responding to the developments in Georgia.

As the EU spokesperson points out, all allegations of torture and ill-treatment must be credibly investigated.

"For almost two weeks, the people of Georgia have been defending their democratic and European aspirations, in the face of brutal, illegal use of force by the police, while exercising their right to freedom of expression. Arbitrary arrests of protest rally participants and opposition leaders continue, while media representatives are a specific target of law enforcement agencies and informal violent groups. More than 400 people were arrested and reportedly more than 300 Victims of violence and cruel treatment, many of them needed urgent medical help. Disturbing reports from civil society organizations and the Public Defender of Georgia indicate cruel and deliberate violence. Despite these reports, no police or informal violence The EU condemns these repressive actions against the participants of the protests, media representatives and opposition leaders and calls for the immediate release of all those arrested.

The EU calls for an end to widespread intimidation, political persecution, torture and ill-treatment of citizens. Basic rights, such as freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, must be protected and guaranteed in accordance with the Constitution of Georgia and international obligations. All allegations of torture and ill-treatment must be investigated in a credible manner. We call on local and international organizations and the Public Defender to continue documenting widespread violations of human rights in Georgia.

We call on "Georgian Dream" to de-escalate in order to end this situation, which is costing the population of Georgia a very high price. Violence is not the answer to the demands of the participants of the protests regarding the democratic and European future of Georgia. Let us remind you that it was the course of action of "Georgian Dream" that led to the de facto suspension of the EU accession process. The continuous decline of democracy and the repressive measures used by the Georgian authorities have affected our bilateral relations. The European Union will consider additional measures on December 16, at the next meeting of the foreign ministers of the EU countries. The European Union expresses its solidarity with the population of Georgia and its democratic and European aspirations.