U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has addressed the developments in Georgia, expressing solidarity with the Georgian people and condemning the "cruel and unjustified violence" carried out by Georgian Dream.
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“strongly condemns the cruel and unjustified violence of Georgian Dream against Georgian citizens, protesters, media and opposition representatives. We call on the Georgian Dream to end its repressive tactics, including the use of arbitrary detention and physical violence in an attempt to silence critics,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The United States has expressed particular concern over reports of serious injuries inflicted by “law enforcement agencies.”
“Those arrested for exercising their right to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression should be released immediately, and the officials responsible for the illegal use of force should be held fully accountable.
The United States stands in solidarity with the Georgian people and their democratic aspirations. Those who undermine democratic processes or institutions in Georgia - including those who stifle the right of Georgian citizens to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression - must be held accountable. In addition to continuing the previously announced comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation,
the United States is now preparing to use the tools at our disposal, including additional sanctions,” said Blinken.
The Secretary of State emphasized that, for more than 32 years, the United States has been a steadfast partner of Georgia and its people, a strong supporter of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “our commitment to the brave people of Georgia and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations is ironclad.”
On November 30, the United States announced the suspension of its strategic partnership with Georgia, citing various anti-democratic actions by Georgian Dream as violations of the basic principles underpinning the partnership.
For a week, thousands of people have been protesting on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, opposing Georgian Dream’s decision not to place the issue of opening EU accession negotiations on the agenda until the end of 2028. Police forces have been brutally beating the protesters.
