We are deeply concerned about the situation in Georgia and we condemn the violence against peaceful protesters and opposition politicians who are protesting the draft law on "transparency of foreign influence", - this is stated in the joint statement of European parliamentarians, David McAllister, Sven Mikser and Marina Kaljurand.
MEPs call on the government of Georgia to immediately ease the situation and stop using force against peaceful protesters.
"We repeat that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental right that must be strictly protected. We have already expressed our concern about the re-introduction of the controversial bill, which is an attack on independent media and civil society organizations. If adopted, this law will endanger Georgia's progress on the path to the European Union. We call on the leaders of Georgia to withdraw the draft law and concentrate on the necessary reforms for joining the European Union and NATO," the statement said.
According to the MEPs, the Georgian people protect freedom, democracy and the European future.
"They don't want to be part of Russia's orbit. We call on the leaders of Georgia to live up to the expectations of their citizens and not block their legitimate European aspirations. We express our full solidarity with the Georgian people, who show their insatiable desire for democracy, European values and Georgia's path to the European Union," the statement said.
