**EU Mission in Georgia Criticized for Silence on Hate Groups**
The Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, has written a scathing letter to the EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski, criticizing the EU Mission’s silence on hate groups funded by the EU. Papuashvili expressed disappointment that despite numerous public requests from Georgian authorities, including his own letter, the EU Mission has failed to publicly condemn hatred and violence promoted by these groups.
**Hate Groups Using EU Funding for Aggressive Assaults**
Papuashvili’s letter highlights a disturbing trend where individuals funded by the EU have been using their funding to promote hate, violence, and propaganda against members of the Georgian Parliament and Government. The Speaker pointed out that despite his repeated requests, the EU Mission has remained silent on this issue.
**Incidents of Violence and Hate Speech**
Papuashvili noted several incidents where individuals funded by the EU have been involved in violent and hate-filled behavior, including an attack on a journalist at an event organized by the EU Mission to celebrate Europe Day. He also mentioned two separate incidents where Members of Parliament were verbally abused and threatened in front of their children.
**Dangers of Silence on Extremism**
The Speaker warned that the silence from the EU Mission has emboldened these hate groups, allowing them to approach the point of no return beyond which lies extremism. Papuashvili stressed that refusing to publicly condemn such radical actions can lead to political polarization and undermine Georgian democracy.
**EU’s Obligation to Prevent Extremism**
Papuashvili emphasized that as a responsible donor, it is not an option but an international-legal obligation for the EU to prevent its funding from being used for extremist purposes. He pointed out that this is mandated by the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.
**Previous Cases of Misuse of EU Funding**
The Speaker referenced previous cases where EU funding was used for undemocratic purposes, including a campaign funded by the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) that justified throwing Molotov cocktails as a legitimate means of protest. Papuashvili warned that this kind of misuse of funding can lead to further escalation of violence.
**EU’s Core Values**
Papuashvili concluded his letter by emphasizing that the EU’s core values are rooted in promoting peaceful development, free from disinformation, hysteria, and violence. He urged EU actors concerned with Georgia to re-align their actions with these values, which is a basic test they still need to pass.
Read More @ www.interpressnews.ge
