The Ambassador of the United States of America, Robin Dunnigan responded to the Georgian Dream's decision to suspend European integration and the crackdown on the protest rally.
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"Unfortunately, the Prime Minister’s announcement that Georgian Dream does not plan to begin EU accession talks within the next four years is the latest in a series of actions that once again call into question this government’s commitment to a Western course. It is noteworthy that this statement from the government has received immediate praise from the Kremlin.
Last night, we all witnessed police brutality against detained protesters and journalists. I call on the government to respect the right of Georgian citizens to peaceful protest and the freedom of the press to cover these protests safely.
I strongly urge Georgian Dream to reconsider its actions and return Georgia to the path of EU and Western integration, as well as democracy - values that the clear majority of the Georgian population desire,” Ambassador Dunnigan said in a statement.
According to the diplomat, it is up to the government to take steps to improve relations with Western countries that have supported Georgia for more than 30 years.
Yesterday, on November 28, illegitimate Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze informed the public of the decision by Georgian Dream that Georgia will not put the issue of opening accession negotiations on the agenda until the end of 2028 and will refuse EU budget grants.
President Salome Zourabichvili assessed the decision as a point set for a "constitutional coup" and stated that the illegitimate government had declared war on its own people.
Rallies were held in Tbilisi and across the regions to protest the decision. The Ministry of Internal Affairs dispersed demonstrators gathered near the parliament in the capital.
Police forces began dispersing the rally around 2 am. The so-called pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannons mixed with chemical irritants were used against the demonstrators. According to the Public Defender, the Ministry of Internal Affairs violated the freedom of assembly because when citizens began to disperse using special means, the demonstration was peaceful. "The video footage and information disseminated clearly show numerous instances of the unwarranted use of special means against protesters, including politicians, journalists, and detainees, as well as cases of alleged unjustified detention, direct intent to commit violence, and deliberate persecution during the dispersal of the peaceful demonstration," the Public Defender stated.
As a result of the dispersal, about 40 media representatives were injured. 43 people were detained administratively on charges of disobeying a police officer’s request and petty hooliganism. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has also opened a criminal case on charges of assaulting a police officer and damaging or destroying another person’s property.
