MEP Michael Gahler is responding to the 14-day administrative detention imposed on journalist Vakho Sanaia over a social media post, saying that “Soviet Georgia” is becoming a reality.

“Vakho Sanaia, a journalist with Formula TV, was sentenced to 14 days in prison for a post published on Facebook. The fact that he would have received a much harsher punishment in Russia is no consolation at all. It shows which side of Europe today’s Georgia stands on—the authoritarian side. Soviet Georgia is becoming a reality,” the MEP wrote.

The Tbilisi City Court sentenced journalist Vakho Sanaia to 14 days of administrative detention over a social media post concerning Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili and MP Vladimir Bozhadze.