**Kaladze Hits Back at European Parliament’s Criticism of Georgia**
Kakha Kaladze, the Chairman of “Georgian Dream” and Mayor of Tbilisi, has responded to debates held in the European Parliament concerning Georgia. He accused some people of stubbornly fighting against Georgian statehood and the current government because they lost in the elections and couldn’t bring their agents to power.
Kaladze claimed that the process of European integration is hindered by “statements and actions based solely on lies and blackmail.” He stated that Georgia continues to develop and move forward on the path of European integration, but there are obstructive moments. These moments, he said, come from statements and actions based on lies and blackmail.
**Freedom of Speech and Expression in Georgia**
Kaladze emphasized that Georgia has freedom of speech and expression. He said that every political party had the opportunity to conduct campaigns and participate in elections. However, he also stated that no one has the right to raise a hand against a police officer, regardless of who they are.
**European Parliament’s Resolution on Mzia Amaghlobeli**
The European Parliament is voting on a resolution titled “Media Freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaghlobeli.” The resolution demands the immediate and unconditional release of Mzia Amaghlobeli and the withdrawal of all charges against her. It also condemns her politically motivated detention and criminal prosecution.
**Systemic Attacks on Democratic Institutions**
The European Parliament’s resolution strongly condemns the systemic attacks by the “Georgian Dream” regime on democratic institutions, political opposition, independent media, civil society, and judicial independence. Kaladze has been criticized for his handling of these issues, but he maintains that Georgia is committed to its European integration path.
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