PACE strongly condemns crackdown on peaceful protests in Georgia
PACE strongly condemns crackdown on peaceful protests in Georgia
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has condemned the crackdown on peaceful protests in the country and called on the country to remain faithful to European values.
‘The Parliamentary Assembly, meeting today (29 November) in Luxembourg represented by the Standing Committee, expresses its concern over the situation in Georgia, where the government has announced the suspension of European Union accession negotiations, contrary to pre-election promises. This decision could have a significant impact on the implementation of reforms that are necessary to strengthen the rule of law and the functioning of democratic institutions in Georgia,’ the Council of Europe press service said in a statement.
The Assembly strongly condemns the violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations that took place in Tbilisi to protest against the decision as a violation of the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly, it further said.
The Assembly also notes with concern that ‘most of the demonstrators were arrested and charged under the provisions of the controversial Soviet-era 'Code of Administrative Offences’ and recalls that it has ‘repeatedly requested that this law be replaced by a new law in line with European standards’.
These worrying developments are all the more disturbing in view of the 26 October Parliamentary elections, which were held in an environment that did not provide the necessary conditions for the electorate ‘to make an informed choice free from intimidation and undue pressure’, the report stresses.
The Assembly urges Georgia to remain faithful to European values and to fully honour its commitments and obligations as a member- state of the Council of Europe.
The Assembly stands ready to continue to work in close cooperation with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the Committee of Ministers in a constructive dialogue with the Georgian authorities, democratic forces and civil society, in particular youth. The forthcoming visit of the Assembly's co-rapporteurs on monitoring to Georgia will provide an important opportunity to continue this dialogue, the press release concludes.
Politics
-
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova has decided to unilaterally terminate the Moldovan-Russian agreement from 1998 on the creation and operation of cultural centers.
-
By the order of the head of state, Rufat Mahmud has been appointed the new head of the historical and architectural reserve "Icheri Sheher" – the historic center of Baku.
-
On February 13, the Appeal Court did not satisfy the defense's appeal against the decision of the Khatai Court regarding the arrest of journalist Shahnaz Beylargizi. According to the lawyer, the journalist herself did not participate in the trial due to poor health. The defense intends to submit a petition to replace the arrest with house arrest.
-
Azerbaijan will limit 'Sputnik Azerbaijan' and 'BBC News Azərbaycanca' editorial offices. This was reported by the country's pro-government media on 13 February, citing an informed source.
Leave a review