"If a government attacks its own people, silences journalists, and curtails freedom, there are consequences, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in a statement. The European Commission said it had suspended official travel in response to Georgia's deliberate and persisting violation of the commitments taken under its visa-free regime in key areas of democracy and fundamental rights."
"Protests and political unrest have rocked Georgia since the ruling Georgian Dream party halted talks on joining the EU in November 2024, despite it being a goal for many Georgians enshrined in the country's constitution. The move triggered waves of protests that have been met with mass arrests and police violence."
The European Union imposed visa restrictions on Georgian diplomats and officials for a minimum of one year in response to the country's deteriorating democratic standards and human rights violations. The suspension followed Georgia's ruling party halting EU accession talks in November 2024, despite constitutional commitments to EU membership. This decision triggered widespread protests that were met with mass arrests and police violence. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that governments attacking their own citizens, silencing journalists, and restricting freedoms face consequences. The European Commission cited deliberate and persistent violations of democracy and fundamental rights commitments under Georgia's visa-free regime, including suppression of protesters and opposition politicians.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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