GD Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the ruling Georgian Dream government sharply criticized recent statements by European institutions, describing them as “a continuation of Goebbels-like propaganda.” He made the remarks at a press conference held at the Prime Minister’s Administration.
“Europe is not a panacea! Europe was also Mr. Goebbels, who worked in the most powerful state in Europe in the 1940s. Goebbels-like propaganda cannot return to Europe 80 years later,” Kobakhidze said.
Kobakhidze rejected assessments by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) regarding the October 4 local elections, calling them “shameful lies” that do not reflect reality.
“On October 4, there was severe violence. Fifteen police officers required hospitalization, including two who narrowly escaped death. Against this backdrop, representatives of ODIHR are making statements that contain absurdity,” Kobakhidze said.
The OSCE/ODIHR has called on Georgian authorities to ensure the safety of civil society and protect freedom of expression. According to ODIHR Director Maria Telalian, “the arrest, prosecution, and sentencing of peaceful demonstrators continue in Georgia, which contradicts the international obligations undertaken by the country.”
