The resolution was supported by 438 members of the European Parliament, while 37 voted against it. In recent years, successive Georgian governments have applied for accession to the European Union, and preparatory talks had already begun. But since the new rulers have taken a pro-Putin course, relations have cooled.
Partly for this reason, the European Parliament urges the European Union and the governments of the EU countries to impose targeted sanctions. Earlier, the EU decided to suspend visa-free access to EU buildings for officials of the "Georgian Dream" regime. In the current situation, the membership talks have been suspended.
Opposition
In recent months, thousands of Georgians have demonstrated almost daily against an increasingly repressive course of the new rulers. The pro-European president Salome Zourabishvili has been virtually silenced by them.
Promotion
The MEPs condemn the systematic persecution of political opponents and the political detention of Elene Khoshtaria, a member of the Coalition for Change, who was arrested in September. They call for her release and condemn the humiliating and inhumane treatment she is reportedly subjected to during her detention.
The MEPs also demand an independent investigation into other security issues in Georgia, citing reports about the use of a type of tear gas described as ‘chemical weapons’.
Saakashvili
Additionally, the EU politicians stand up for former president Saakashvili. They express deep concern over his ongoing detention and worsening health condition. Former president Mikheil Saakashvili has been held as a political hostage for more than four years.
The existence of political prisoners is incompatible with Georgia’s obligations under the Association Agreement between the EU and Georgia, say MEPs. In December last year, the parliament in Strasbourg awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, who is also currently imprisoned in Georgia.