BERLIN — On Saturday, the foreign ministers from Germany, France, and Poland issued a strong denunciation of the excessive force used against peaceful protesters in Georgia, as well as the harassment of opposition figures and media representatives.
The mass protests, triggered by the current government’s decision to halt discussions regarding Georgia’s accession to the European Union, have persisted into a second week. Demonstrations intensified as police began employing increasingly severe measures against the participants.
In a united statement, the foreign ministers demanded the swift release of opposition members and emphasized that essential rights such as the freedom of peaceful assembly and expression must be honored, in accordance with Georgia’s own constitution and its commitments on the international stage.
The ruling party, Georgian Dream, retained its parliamentary majority following the contentious elections on October 26. This election has been largely interpreted as a referendum on the nation’s desire to join the EU. Allegations have been made by the opposition and the pro-Western president, Salome Zourabichvili, asserting that the Georgian Dream party rigged the election with assistance from Russia, leading them to boycott parliamentary sessions.
The opposition demonstrations have surged following the government’s recent decision to pause the EU accession negotiations.
In response to the protests, riot police have utilized water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds and have forcefully clashed with protesters who have retaliated by throwing fireworks and erecting barricades on the main boulevard of the capital. Hundreds have been arrested, and more than 100 individuals have reported injuries as a result of the confrontations.
Georgian officials stated that an additional 50 protesters were arrested late Friday night. The police have pursued demonstrators through the streets of Tbilisi well into the early hours of Saturday, employing violence during these detentions.
This heavy-handed approach has provoked significant backlash from the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking at a conference of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, criticized the severe suppression of those advocating for the country’s continued alignment with Europe.
In their statement, the foreign ministers from Germany, France, and Poland urged the Georgian Dream party to reduce tensions and initiate an inclusive dialogue involving all political entities and civil society representatives.
They expressed a firm commitment to supporting the democratic ideals and European aspirations of the Georgian people.