Anita Hipper: EU stands with Elene Khoshtaria and all unjustly detained in Georgia

The European Union stands by opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria, as well as all unjustly detained political prisoners, journalists, and civil society representatives in Georgia, Anita Hipper, the European Commission’s Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said on Tuesday.

She stressed the EU’s full solidarity with those detained and reiterated calls for their immediate release.

“The EU stands with [Khoshtaria] and all unjustly detained political prisoners, journalists, and representatives of civil society. We express our full solidarity and call for their immediate release,” Hipper stated.

She said the EU was already discussing possible measures to increase pressure on the Georgian Government in light of what she described as a severe democratic backsliding.

“Steps have already been taken on our side, and we are considering further options to increase pressure on the Georgian authorities. Together with the High Representative, discussions have begun on additional measures, including possible sanctions and suspension of visa liberalisation,” Hipper said.