The European Union must finally respond with targeted sanctions against those responsible, I don't care if two member countries block it, what about the remaining 25 member countries? What is stopping them? - stated European Parliament member Markéta Gregorová.

"The arrest and imprisonment of Elene Khoshtaria, the leader of the 'Droa' party, is yet another step in Georgia's democratic decline. Elene was detained for writing protest messages against the ruling party and now faces years in prison if convicted. She is one of many people who are part of politically motivated processes," - she noted.

The European Parliament member also commented on the laws recently adopted in the Georgian Parliament, stating that they "prohibit basic activism and civil society." The European Union must finally respond with targeted sanctions against those responsible. And I don't care if two member countries block it in the Council. What about the remaining 25 member countries? Can't they impose sanctions? What is stopping them?

Otherwise, silence and inaction only strengthen anti-democratic forces and send a dangerous signal that repressing citizens in a candidate country can go unpunished," - stated Gregorová.