Prepared by Messenger Staff
Ukraine Condemns Georgian Government Over Protest Crackdown
Ukraine has condemned the Georgian government for its handling of peaceful protests and alleged human rights violations. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Tbilisi's decision to halt EU accession talks until 2028, which sparked widespread demonstrations.
"Violence will not remain without consequences," the ministry stated, urging the Georgian authorities to respect citizens' rights to peaceful assembly.
Ukraine criticized the Georgian government for contradicting its pro-European claims. "The Georgian government says it supports EU integration, but its actions show a pivot toward Moscow," the statement read. Drawing comparisons to Ukraine's past struggles, it noted, "Politicians who tried to derail Ukraine's EU path also claimed they were just 'pausing' integration."
The ministry rejected the Georgian government's framing of the protests as a "Ukrainian scenario" and accused it of implementing a "Belarusian scenario", eroding democratic norms while intimidating citizens.
Ukraine also expressed solidarity with Georgian diplomats who opposed the government's decision to suspend EU talks. "In 2004 and 2014, Ukrainian diplomats stood for democracy during critical times. We recognize the courage of Georgian colleagues now doing the same," the statement said.
Ukraine reaffirmed its commitment to Georgia's European future, calling EU integration essential for stability and democracy. "Our solidarity with the Georgian people remains unwavering," the ministry concluded.
Giorgi Gakharia Urges Civil Servants to Speak Out Against Government
Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the opposition party For Georgia, called on public officials to express their opinions freely, emphasizing the need for a depoliticized public sector.
Addressing civil servants, Gakharia said, "We all have the right to a different opinion, whether or not we are paid from the state budget. You have a responsibility to always speak your mind, especially when your views align with the majority of the country's population."
He urged those who have remained silent to not fear retribution, assuring them of protection under Georgian and international law. "The more civil servants who speak their mind, the safer you will be," he said, adding that depoliticizing the public sector is critical to freeing it from political interference.
Gakharia also highlighted troubling allegations of abuse against detainees, claiming many individuals detained by the ruling Georgian Dream party face inhumane conditions. "Pre-detention isolators are overcrowded, and some detainees spend nights in vehicles," he said. Gakharia further alleged that numerous detainees leave detention facilities with injuries resulting from physical violence.
He called on the public to demand the release of those he described as "illegally detained," stating, "The state is physically abusing them."
