**UK MP Calls for Sanctions on Georgian Politician**
A member of the UK Parliament, James MacCleary, has introduced a motion calling for potential sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chair of Georgia’s ruling party. The motion suggests that Ivanishvili is responsible for democratic backsliding in Georgia.
The motion has already been signed by 13 British MPs. In response, the Georgian Dream party released a statement condemning the move.
**Journalist and Opposition Leader Face Pressure**
A critical journalist, Afgan Sadigov, was told not to be extradited to Azerbaijan by the European Court of Human Rights. However, his extradition from Georgia had been ordered earlier.
Meanwhile, journalists rallied outside the Public Broadcaster calling for the release of another journalist, Mzia Amaghlobeli. They demanded greater transparency and media freedom in the country.
**European Parliament Concerned**
The PACE delegation visited Georgia to assess its compliance with European obligations amid a political crisis. The European Parliament expressed concern over the attack on former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia and opposition leader. They also called for early elections.
The European Union criticized the Georgian government’s actions, saying they were a reversal of democratic progress. The union called for respect for fundamental rights and freedoms in Georgia.
**Economic Concerns**
A recent survey by PMCG Research found that Georgian economists predict a significant slowdown in economic growth due to political instability and exchange rate fluctuations. This has led to negative assessments of the economy, with pessimistic predictions for the next six months.
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