Prepared by Messenger Staff
EU: Georgian Elections Not Democratic Without Opposition Freed
The European Parliament has adopted an amendment to its resolution on Georgia, warning that the country's upcoming elections will not reflect the democratic will of the Georgian people unless detained opposition leaders are released and substantial reforms are made to the electoral environment.
"These upcoming elections do not represent an opportunity to reflect the democratic choice of the Georgian people unless the imprisoned and detained opposition leaders are released," the resolution states. It further calls for the elections to be conducted in an "improved electoral environment" overseen by an "independent and impartial electoral administration" to ensure fairness and transparency.
The amendment strongly criticizes Georgia's current political conditions, noting that the municipal elections planned under the present circumstances pose a serious challenge to any political actor seeking genuine democratic participation. It warns that involvement in the elections could be used by the ruling authorities to legitimize the existing power structure.
"The self-declared authorities will use such participation as recognition of the new status quo," the document states.
The European Parliament reiterates its stance that Georgia's ongoing political and constitutional crisis cannot be resolved without new parliamentary elections. It calls for these elections to be held in the coming months, under improved and verifiable democratic conditions.
"There must be new free and fair parliamentary elections," the resolution says. "These must be supervised by an independent and impartial electoral administration, and monitored closely by both international and independent local observers."
The amendment also emphasizes the need to maintain the EU's policy of non-recognition of Georgia's one-party parliament and the president appointed under its rule. This stance, according to the resolution, must remain in place "until there is tangible change in Georgia's political direction."
MEPs argue that the restoration of democratic order in Georgia is a precondition for resuming meaningful political engagement. They stress that only through legitimate, inclusive, and transparent elections can Georgia begin to restore public trust and realign with European democratic norms.
Police Arrest 34 in Nationwide Drug Raids, Seize Narcotics, Weapons, and Cash
Georgian police have arrested 34 individuals, including both Georgian and foreign nationals, in large-scale overnight raids targeting drug distribution networks across the country, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
"Last night, during large-scale operational activities conducted at dozens of locations across the country, we arrested 34 individuals on drug-related charges," said Interior Minister Geka Geladze at a press briefing on Tuesday.
He stated that most of the suspects were involved in the illegal distribution of narcotics, while others were charged with unlawful possession or purchase of large or especially large quantities of drugs.
"Let me clarify - several of them are major drug dealers," Geladze said.
The investigation revealed that those arrested used various methods to distribute drugs, including drop-off locations, internet applications, and social media. Police believe the narcotics were intended for sale in nightclubs and entertainment venues throughout Georgia.
"Based on court orders, our officers conducted multiple controlled purchases from the suspects and carried out covert audio and video recordings of those transactions," Geladze noted.
During searches of homes and vehicles, officers seized a significant quantity of drugs, including heroin, cocaine, Suboxone, methadone, and alpha-PVP. Authorities also confiscated drug packaging materials, large sums of money believed to be proceeds from illegal sales, as well as unregistered firearms and ammunition.
"If found guilty, the individuals arrested may face up to 20 years or life imprisonment," Geladze warned.
He concluded by thanking law enforcement for their continued efforts.
"I want to express my deep thanks to all the police officers who tirelessly fight to put an end to drug trafficking in our country - saving countless citizens from the devastating effects of addiction."
