**European Parliament Passes Resolution on Georgia with Strong Condemnation**
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on Georgia, expressing its solidarity with the Georgian people and condemning the violent repression by the authorities. The vote was 490 in favor and 147 against.
In the draft resolution, the European Parliament reaffirms its support for Georgia’s legitimate European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. However, it strongly condemns the use of force against peaceful protesters, arbitrary detentions, and systemic mistreatment of civilians, politicians, and media representatives. The document also calls on the Georgian authorities to respect the freedoms of assembly and expression.
**Concerns Over Human Rights Abuses**
The resolution expresses concern over the growing number of political prisoners in Georgia and demands their immediate release. It also urges the European Union (EU) to conduct effective investigations into acts of violence and ensure those responsible are held accountable. The Parliament emphasizes that the judiciary in Georgia lacks independence, with high-ranking judges linked to the ruling party controlling court proceedings against peaceful protesters.
**Criticism of Georgian Dream**
The text notes that the EU regrets the failure of the ruling party, Georgian Dream, to seize the opportunity to move forward on its path to European integration. The resolution emphasizes that the country’s EU integration process has effectively come to a halt due to democratic backsliding and the rigging of parliamentary elections in October 2024.
**Personal Sanctions and Election Demands**
The European Parliament calls for immediate and targeted personal sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, his family members, and companies. It also demands new parliamentary elections under an improved electoral environment, with international and independent local observers to ensure a fair process.
**Condemnation of Illegitimate Regime**
The document states that the European Parliament does not recognize the self-declared government established by Georgian Dream following fraudulent parliamentary elections in 2024. It considers Georgia to be a state captured by an illegitimate regime.
**Foreign Policy Criticism**
The resolution regrets that Georgia has made no progress in fulfilling EU recommendations on foreign, security, and defense policy. It stresses that full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) is necessary for progress in the accession process.
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