"If a government attacks its own people, silences journalists, and curtails freedom, there are consequences. The people of Georgia have our full support but there is no place for those representing repression in our union. The Commission said the suspension comes in response to Georgia's deliberate and persisting violation of their commitments to democracy, as well as human and fundamental rights."
"Since the Kremlin-friendly Georgian Dream party claimed victory in the 2024 Georgia elections, the country has been gripped by protests and political unrest. Authorities have responded with mass arrests, and there have been episodes of police violence. Under the suspension, Georgian diplomats and other special passport holders must now obtain a Schengen visa before entering EU countries."
The European Commission has suspended visa-free travel privileges for Georgian diplomats, government officials, and high-ranking ministers across all EU countries in response to Georgia's violations of democratic commitments and fundamental rights. This action follows the Kremlin-friendly Georgian Dream party's 2024 election victory, which triggered widespread protests and political unrest. Georgian authorities responded with mass arrests and police violence against demonstrators. Under the suspension, Georgian diplomats must now obtain Schengen visas for EU entry, though ordinary Georgian citizens with standard biometric passports remain unaffected. The suspension lasts one year but may extend for two additional years if political issues persist. Nineteen of 27 EU countries had previously suspended visa privileges for Georgian officials.
Read at www.dw.com
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