Those responsible for violence in Georgia must be held accountable, and the government must take immediate steps to stop the repression, release detained demonstrators, and re engage in the accession process, stated Dubravka Šuica, Vice-President of the European Commission for Democracy and Demography, during a speech in the European Parliament on behalf of the European Commission.

“For almost three weeks, the Georgian people have been holding protests nationwide to defend their democratic and European future. These unprecedented protests followed the Georgian government's announcement of its decision not to start negotiations for EU accession until 2030. This step represents a clear deviation from the policies of previous Georgian governments and the aspirations of the majority of the Georgian population. This is also the first time we see a country granted candidate status rapidly and significantly deviate from the European path. The situation in Georgia is worsening. In the past two weeks, more than 450 people have been detained, around 300 have experienced violence and ill-treatment, and many required urgent medical assistance. The police charged 400 people with administrative offenses and over 30 with criminal offenses, yet no one from the law enforcement structures or unofficial violent groups has been held accountable for the excessive use of force,” said Dubravka Šuica.

According to her, these are not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of democratic backsliding in Georgia.

“Before the October 26 parliamentary elections, which were marked by serious irregularities, the government adopted the ‘Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence’ and the so-called ‘Family Values’ legislative package. Both of these legislative initiatives contradict European values and norms. In June, we responded with certain measures, including reducing political contacts and halting aid – €30 million from the European Peace Facility and €121 million in direct government support – suspending Georgia’s accession process. The Georgian government has not changed its course of action. It is time for the EU to deliver a decisive and unified response. This is what the Georgian people expect from us.

Those responsible for violence must be held accountable, and the government must take immediate steps to stop the repression, release detained demonstrators, and reengage in the accession process,” Dubravka Šuica emphasized.