Parliament Speaker criticizes EU Ambassador’s remarks on political repressions in Georgia

The Speaker of Georgia’s Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, has responded to comments made by the EU Ambassador to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński, accusing the diplomat of justifying violence and undermining justice.

On July 18, in an interview with Interpressnews, Ambassador Herczyński stated that the only way for Georgia to return to its EU path is by "ending repression, releasing unjustly detained individuals, and repealing repressive legislation.”

Reacting via a Facebook post, Papuashvili accused Herczyński of legitimizing violent acts committed during pro-European protests.

“When Ambassador Herczyński says those who threw Molotov cocktails, aimed fireworks at police, or physically attacked law enforcement officers were ‘unjustly detained’, he’s not denying those actions happened. He’s justifying them,” Papuashvili wrote.

He continued, “This means: yes, Molotov cocktails should have been thrown — and they were; yes, it was necessary to kick police officers — and they did; yes, fireworks should have been used — and maybe they should’ve aimed better. That seems to be the Ambassador’s message.”

The Facebook post also included a video montage showing names and footage of protesters detained during recent demonstrations, accompanied by criminal case evidence.

Papuashvili went further, claiming that disrespect for human rights and a distortion of values has become “a sad routine” in the rhetoric of certain foreign politicians and diplomats.

He added a postscript to his statement, saying:

“This is not an attack on the Ambassador — it is legitimate criticism that demands self-reflection and a response.”

Ambassador Herczyński’s comments came amid rising tensions between the Georgian government and the EU, with ruling party officials accusing Brussels of “blackmail” and interference in Georgia’s sovereignty.

The Ambassador also confirmed that, to some extent, the EU has already partially suspended Georgia’s visa-free regime, specifically for holders of diplomatic and official passports. He warned that if Georgia fails to meet the EU’s conditions, visa-free travel for all Georgian citizens could be revoked starting September 1.