The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has announced the immediate suspension of programmes supporting to the Georgian government, citing violent actions against protesters and journalists, as well as a disregard for constitutional provisions on European integration.
“The shocking scenes of violence towards protestors and journalists by the Georgian authorities are unacceptable and must stop. These actions tarnish Georgia’s international standing and fly in the face of Georgia’s constitutional commitment to a European future," Lammy said in a statement.
He continued: “In light of ongoing events, the UK will immediately suspend all programme support to the Georgian government, restrict defence cooperation, and limit engagement with representatives of the Georgian Dream government until there is a halt to this move away from European democratic norms and freedoms. The UK will continue to stand by the people of Georgia in supporting their right to choose their country’s future."
Meanwhile, protests in Tbilisi have entered their twelfth day following the Georgian Dream government’s controversial decision on November 28 to suspend negotiations with the European Union for four years. The decision was passed by the government that was chosen by single-party parliament, sparking widespread public outrage.
Over the past 12 days, riot police in Tbilisi have detained hundreds of protesters under administrative rules. Many citizens have also reportedly sustained injuries due to violence and alleged inhuman treatment by the authorities, intensifying concerns over the government's democratic backsliding.
