The News in Brief
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
Georgian Young Lawyers Association Condemns Illegal Dispersal of Peaceful Protesters
Riot police used pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannons to forcefully disperse peaceful protesters who were demonstrating against the 'Foreign Agents' law outside the parliament building. The police also engaged in physical assaults on the citizens.
According to the assessment of the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA), the dispersal of the protest near the Parliament is deemed illegal.
The organization called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to ensure the development of an action plan for the safety of gatherings and demonstrations according to national legislation and international standards, and to halt the illegal practice of dispersing rallies.
The organization called on the riot police to: adhere to the guidelines for the behavior of internal affairs officers during gatherings and demonstrations regarding the basis and manner of using special means; refuse to obey illegal orders and refrain from using violent methods against peaceful demonstrators.
"Since the goals of the organizers and participants of the gathering are peaceful, aimed at protecting the country's Western orientation, and contributing to the development of democratic processes, such expression is protected, as shown by the practice of the European Court. Moreover, the law has already been considered in the second reading in the parliament, and the parliamentary work process is not hindered. Peaceful protest is a tool citizens use to promote democratic processes. Any effort to suppress it is unconstitutional," GYLA stated.
EU Spokesperson Urges Government to Address Concerns Over 'Foreign Agents' Law
Peter Stano, spokesperson for EU High Representative Josep Borrell, voiced concerns about 'Foreign Agents' law. He urged Georgian leaders to meet citizens' expectations and uphold European values to advance their candidacy for EU membership. Stano emphasized the importance of Georgia addressing nine recommendations outlined in the enlargement report and warned that any negative developments could impact its progress towards EU membership.
"The foreign ministers of the EU and its member states have expressed concerns regarding Georgia's law on the transparency of foreign influence. The candidate status granted in December has brought our relations closer than ever before. Our doors are open, and therefore the European Union calls on Georgia's leaders to respond to citizens' expectations and not derail the country from the path to the European Union.
In its enlargement report, the Commission emphasized the work that Georgia needs to do, including implementing nine recommendations. Georgia, as an EU candidate country, is expected to meet the Copenhagen criteria, which include adherence to democratic principles, the rule of law, and human rights. Any negative developments in the country will be reflected in the upcoming enlargement report, scheduled for release in the autumn," said Stano.
Georgian Young Lawyers Association Condemns Illegal Dispersal of Peaceful Protesters
According to the assessment of the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA), the dispersal of the protest near the Parliament is deemed illegal.
The organization called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to ensure the development of an action plan for the safety of gatherings and demonstrations according to national legislation and international standards, and to halt the illegal practice of dispersing rallies.
The organization called on the riot police to: adhere to the guidelines for the behavior of internal affairs officers during gatherings and demonstrations regarding the basis and manner of using special means; refuse to obey illegal orders and refrain from using violent methods against peaceful demonstrators.
"Since the goals of the organizers and participants of the gathering are peaceful, aimed at protecting the country's Western orientation, and contributing to the development of democratic processes, such expression is protected, as shown by the practice of the European Court. Moreover, the law has already been considered in the second reading in the parliament, and the parliamentary work process is not hindered. Peaceful protest is a tool citizens use to promote democratic processes. Any effort to suppress it is unconstitutional," GYLA stated.
EU Spokesperson Urges Government to Address Concerns Over 'Foreign Agents' Law
"The foreign ministers of the EU and its member states have expressed concerns regarding Georgia's law on the transparency of foreign influence. The candidate status granted in December has brought our relations closer than ever before. Our doors are open, and therefore the European Union calls on Georgia's leaders to respond to citizens' expectations and not derail the country from the path to the European Union.
In its enlargement report, the Commission emphasized the work that Georgia needs to do, including implementing nine recommendations. Georgia, as an EU candidate country, is expected to meet the Copenhagen criteria, which include adherence to democratic principles, the rule of law, and human rights. Any negative developments in the country will be reflected in the upcoming enlargement report, scheduled for release in the autumn," said Stano.