European Parliament Adopts Resolution on Georgia by 445 Votes

The European Parliament adopted a resolution by 445 votes calling for sanctions against the leaders of Georgian Dream and the release of political prisoners. The document also condemns the lawsuit seeking to ban parties.

37 MEPs opposed the resolution, while 97 abstained from voting.

The document was drafted by five political groups of the European Parliament. These are: the European People's Party (EPP), Socialists and Democrats (S&D), "European Conservatives and Reformists" (ECR), "Renew Europe" (Renew), and "Greens/European Free Alliance" (Greens/EFA). The situation in Georgia was considered by the European Parliament together with issues of human rights violations in Iran and Azerbaijan.

MEPs criticize the response of the European Union and its member states. They continue to call for targeted sanctions and visa bans against individuals whom they believe are responsible for democratic backsliding, violent repression and political persecution in Georgia. The document specifically names Bidzina Ivanishvili, Irakli Kobakhidze, Shalva Papuashvili and Kakha Kaladze.

The draft resolution also states that any attempt to ban opposition parties would distance Georgia from the European Union and rule out the possibility of progress toward membership.

Source: Publika