EU Condemns Intimidation and Disinformation in Georgia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, June 14, 2024
Peter Stano, Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, released a statement expressing the European Union's deep concern over the increasing reports of intimidation, threats, and physical assaults targeting civil society representatives, political leaders, civil activists, and journalists in Georgia. The EU strongly urges Georgian authorities to halt these negative developments and conduct thorough and timely investigations into documented acts of violence and intimidation.
Furthermore, the EU calls upon Georgian political actors to refrain from using divisive language that could exacerbate polarization within the country.
The EU also expresses ongoing concern about the widespread dissemination of disinformation regarding EU values and its relationship with Georgia. It calls on Georgian authorities to avoid making inaccurate statements that contradict Georgia's aspirations for EU integration, as such actions negatively impact relations with the EU and its Member States.
Regarding recent legislative actions in Georgia, including the adoption of the law on "Transparency of Foreign Influence", the EU states that it is currently evaluating all response options to measures that undermine democracy and the rule of law.
The EU urges the Georgian government to reaffirm its commitment to the path towards the EU. The EU emphasizes its steadfast support for the Georgian people's choice in favor of democracy and their European future.
"The European Union regrets the increasing number of reported acts of intimidation, threats and physical assaults on civil society representatives, political leaders, civil activists and journalists in Georgia. The EU, once again, calls on the Georgian authorities to put an end to these negative developments and investigate the documented acts of violence and intimidation thoroughly and in a timely manner. We also call upon Georgian political actors to refrain from using language which could further fuel the extreme polarisation in the country.
The EU also remains deeply concerned about the widespread disinformation about the EU and its values. It calls on Georgian authorities to refrain from statements which are inaccurate and not in line with Georgia's stated EU aspirations, and that negatively impacts Georgia's relations with the EU and its Member States.
The EU is currently considering all options for responding to the adoption of the law on 'transparency of foreign influence' and other actions undermining democracy and the rule of law in Georgia.
We urge the government to recommit to the EU path. The EU continues to stand with the Georgian people and their overwhelming choice in favour of democracy and of Georgia's European future," the statement reads.
