Chairman of Parliament Calls for Apologies over 'Falsehoods' and 'Disinformation' Spread About Saakashvili and Sanctions Evasion
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, June 30, 2023
Shalva Papuashvili, the Chairman of the Parliament, has called for two apologies. The first apology is related to the dissemination of falsehoods about Saakashvili, both domestically and internationally. The second apology is expected for spreading disinformation regarding the evasion of sanctions.
According to Papuashvili, the plan involved radical opposition and non-governmental organizations to a significant extent.
"This represents a second setback for the opposition and certain non-governmental organizations, following the suppression and disruption of Saakashvili's false propaganda. The recent decision by the Strasbourg court exposed a year-and-a-half-long disinformation campaign against Georgia, both domestically and internationally, falsely portraying the mistreatment of Saakashvili. Additionally, yesterday marked the definitive end to a more than year-long disinformation campaign that falsely alleged sanctions circumvention using Georgia, originating from both within and outside the country. In this regard, representatives responsible for European Union, United States, and Great Britain sanctions coordination publicly commended the institutional strength of Georgian authorities, confirming that there has been no evidence of the country's involvement in sanctions circumvention. Private discussions on this matter also took place, further exemplifying the hostile nature of the radical opposition and non-governmental organizations towards their own country," Papuashvili stated.
Papuashvili highlighted the prevalence of misinformation in the European Parliament's resolution, which contained false assertions about Georgia evading sanctions. He called for apologies from opposition parties, non-governmental organizations, and politicians who wrongly accused Georgia. Specifically, Papuashvili requested two apologies-one for the dissemination of fake news about Saakashvili and the other for the spread of disinformation regarding sanctions circumvention.
"It is important to recall all the statements made, which unfortunately reiterated the level of misinformation present in the European Parliament's resolution. The two resolutions contained hints and direct assertions suggesting that Georgia was evading sanctions. Such a pervasive disinformation campaign against Georgia led the European Parliament to receive two resolutions containing direct falsehoods, as confirmed yesterday. Once again, we emphasize the need for an apology regarding Saakashvili from both opposition parties within the country, certain non-governmental organizations, and politicians outside the country who falsely accused Georgia of evading sanctions. Up until now, we have not received an apology concerning Saakashvili, and this issue further adds to our request for two apologies. Firstly, we seek an apology regarding Saakashvili, addressing the dissemination of fake news within and outside the country. Secondly, we expect an apology for the spread of disinformation regarding sanctions circumvention," Papuashvili said.
