“Journalists must be able to carry out their vital work without fear of persecution or excessive restrictions,” Anouar El Anouni, a spokesperson for the European Commission, said in response to a question from Euroscope regarding the 14-day administrative detention imposed on journalist Vakho Sanaia.

“Actions by the authorities aimed at targeting and silencing independent media undermine the foundations of democracy, run counter to Georgia’s international obligations and contradict the European aspirations of the Georgian people,” the European Commission spokesperson said.

According to him, the Georgian authorities “should release Vakho Sanaia, as well as everyone who has been arbitrarily detained.”