The News in Brief
Thursday, September 5, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
Police Arrest Tbilisi City Council Member Irakli Edzgveradze
The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs has confirmed the administrative arrest of Irakli Edzgveradze, a member of the Tbilisi City Council representing the National Movement party. According to the ministry, Edzgveradze was obstructing an investigation related to drug offences, despite not being directly involved in the investigation itself.
Video footage from the scene shows a confrontation outside Edzgveradze's home in the Gldani district. He has been detained under Articles 166 and 173 of the Administrative Offences Code, which relate to disorderly conduct and disobeying law enforcement.
Prior to the arrest, Levan Khabeishvili, chairman of the National Movement's political council, claimed on social media that Edzgveradze had been "taken hostage" by the authorities. Additionally, another council member, Irakli Nadiradze, was also reported to have been arrested.
EU Condemns Georgia's Rush to Pass Homophobic Bill
The European Union has strongly condemned the hasty approval of a controversial homophobic bill during its second reading in Georgia's parliament. According to a statement from the spokesperson of the EU High Representative, the bill undermines fundamental rights and increases the risk of stigmatisation and discrimination against certain segments of Georgia's population.
The statement highlights concerns that the legislation, which was passed without proper public consultation or alignment with European and international standards, threatens Georgia's democratic development. The EU emphasised that protecting human rights is a cornerstone of its enlargement process, which is evaluated annually in the European Commission's reports.
The EU has urged the Georgian government to reconsider the bill entirely, warning that such legislation, along with other restrictions like the "Foreign influence transparency" law, could further strain relations between Georgia and the EU. The EU also reminded that Georgia's accession process has effectively stalled and called on the government to return to the path of European integration.
The Georgian parliament passed the bill with 81 votes in favour during the second reading, without opposition members present. The ruling Georgian Dream party claims the bill is meant to protect "family values", but critics argue it restricts LGBT+ rights and imposes censorship. The opinion has been issued by the Venice Commission.
Police Arrest Tbilisi City Council Member Irakli Edzgveradze
Video footage from the scene shows a confrontation outside Edzgveradze's home in the Gldani district. He has been detained under Articles 166 and 173 of the Administrative Offences Code, which relate to disorderly conduct and disobeying law enforcement.
Prior to the arrest, Levan Khabeishvili, chairman of the National Movement's political council, claimed on social media that Edzgveradze had been "taken hostage" by the authorities. Additionally, another council member, Irakli Nadiradze, was also reported to have been arrested.
EU Condemns Georgia's Rush to Pass Homophobic Bill
The statement highlights concerns that the legislation, which was passed without proper public consultation or alignment with European and international standards, threatens Georgia's democratic development. The EU emphasised that protecting human rights is a cornerstone of its enlargement process, which is evaluated annually in the European Commission's reports.
The EU has urged the Georgian government to reconsider the bill entirely, warning that such legislation, along with other restrictions like the "Foreign influence transparency" law, could further strain relations between Georgia and the EU. The EU also reminded that Georgia's accession process has effectively stalled and called on the government to return to the path of European integration.
The Georgian parliament passed the bill with 81 votes in favour during the second reading, without opposition members present. The ruling Georgian Dream party claims the bill is meant to protect "family values", but critics argue it restricts LGBT+ rights and imposes censorship. The opinion has been issued by the Venice Commission.