Prepared by Messenger Staff
Macron Condemns Violence in Georgia and Calls for Dialogue in Conversation with Ivanishvili
French President Emmanuel Macron has voiced strong concerns about the situation in Georgia during a phone call with Bidzina Ivanishvili, the Honorary Chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party. Macron condemned the use of violence by law enforcement against peaceful protesters and journalists and demanded the release of those arbitrarily detained.
In a statement, the Elysée Palace emphasized that Macron initiated the call to address Georgia's political crisis. The French President expressed regret over Georgia's deviation from its European trajectory, warning that this shift could harm its relationship with the European Union. He called for an inclusive dialogue among all political parties and civil society to honor the democratic and European aspirations of the Georgian people.
Georgian Dream initially reported the conversation lasted an hour and noted that Ivanishvili and Macron agreed to stay in contact to evaluate progress in the coming days. However, after Macron's statement, Georgian Dream issued an additional response acknowledging the President's demand for the release of detainees.
According to Georgian Dream, Ivanishvili assured Macron that most detainees under administrative detention would be released soon. He maintained that those facing criminal charges were being prosecuted under Georgian law. Ivanishvili also defended law enforcement's actions during the protests, claiming they adhered to standards higher than those in Europe, while noting ongoing investigations into police misconduct.
The conversation comes amid widespread protests in Georgia following the government's controversial decision to abandon its bid for European Union accession.
Public Defender Raises Alarm Over Labor Rights Violations of Tbilisi Municipality Employees
The Public Defender of Georgia has addressed growing concerns about potential violations of labor rights among employees of Tbilisi Municipality City Hall and other public institutions. The statement emphasized that freedom of expression, a constitutional right, must extend to the workplace for civil servants.
The Public Defender reiterated that it is illegal for public institutions to dismiss employees due to their civic positions or opinions. Any pressure to force resignations is equally inadmissible. The office has pledged to investigate reported violations of labor rights and will inform the public of its findings.
Giga Sopromadze, executive secretary of the council addressing issues of disabled persons within Tbilisi City Hall, formally requested the Public Defender to intervene. He cited reports of threats and intimidation targeting public employees, alleging that these acts are becoming increasingly actionable.
This issue follows public statements by some civil servants who claim they have faced explicit attempts by officials to suppress their freedom of expression.
