EP resolution calls for sanctions against “oligarch” Ivanishvili, ex-pres. Saakashvili’s release

The European Parliament resolution, which was on Wednesday approved with 430 votes for and 52 against, has called for sanctions against the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party and former prime minister Bidzina Ivanshvili and the release of currently imprisoned former president Mikheil Saakashvili from prison on medical grounds. 

The resolution for the first time cited Ivanishvili as an “oligarch”, while the initial text named him only as a former PM, and called on the European Council to impose sanctions on him, accusing the latter of the country’s “democratic setback”. 

This amendment was supported by 275 MEPs, with 212  against and 132 abstained.

The resolution also called on Georgian president Salome Zourabichvili to use her constitutional rights and pardon Saakashvili, as well as the currently imprisoned founder of Mtavari TV channel Nika Gvaramia. 

Georgian parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday slammed the discussions in EP which preceded the voting, saying the process “has nothing to do with Europe”.