**MEP Calls for Sanctions Against Georgian Regime**
A high-ranking official in the European Parliament has urged member states to impose sanctions on the government of Georgia. MEP Rasa Juknevičienė made the call during an emergency meeting of the parliament’s human rights subcommittee.
The situation in Georgia is dire, with protesters demanding greater democracy and freedom for over 200 days. Despite their bravery, the protesters are facing brutal suppression from the regime. “Every week we are forced to introduce changes and amendments to the report due to new evidence and the new, brutal steps the regime presents us with,” said Juknevičienė.
The MEP expressed admiration for the Georgian people’s desire for integration with the European Union. She noted that protesters have been waving EU flags, demonstrating their commitment to democratic values. “These people are more pro-European than many Europeans themselves,” she said.
**A Crisis of Freedom**
The situation in Georgia is rapidly deteriorating, with the last two independent media outlets on the verge of shutting down. This would mark a devastating blow to free speech and press freedom. Juknevičienė expressed outrage that her delegation was not allowed to visit imprisoned activist Mzia Amaghlobeli.
**A Call for Action**
Juknevičienė is urging member states to take decisive action against the Georgian regime. “We must call on the member states to impose sanctions as soon as possible, especially on those responsible for the repression and everything we are witnessing in Georgia,” she said.
The MEP is also skeptical of the European Commission’s approach to resolving the crisis through a “carrot and stick” strategy. She believes that this approach has failed and that new, fair, and free elections are the only way out of the current crisis.
**Next Steps**
The European Parliament will soon vote on a report outlining the situation in Georgia. Juknevičienė expressed hope that the report would pass, given the support of all political groups. The MEP’s call for sanctions is likely to be met with growing concern among human rights advocates and democratic supporters across Europe.
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