Coalition for Change responds to Council of Europe Secretary General’s visit to Georgia

The Coalition for Change has responded to the visit of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Barsé, to Georgia.

According to the coalition, the illegitimate regime of Bidzina Ivanishvili, through his propaganda media outlets, spreads false information against Georgia’s international partners and the legitimate President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili. The coalition also claims that the regime attempts to mislead the public into thinking that European Union member countries recognize the legitimacy of the Georgian Dream party, to maintain Ivanishvili’s influence over the Georgian population.

The statement further accuses the Georgian Dream party of using Barsé’s visit for propaganda and disinformation purposes. It argues that the regime aims to deceive Georgian citizens into believing that their legitimacy is recognized in Europe.

The coalition addresses the Secretary-General, emphasizing that international visits without clear political messages regarding the need for new elections and the country’s dire situation only support Ivanishvili’s Russian-backed regime. These visits, according to the coalition, create strategic confusion and uncertainty among the Georgian public regarding the foreign political ambitions of Ivanishvili’s criminal team.

The Coalition for Change asserts that they are confident Barsé’s visit will be crucial in improving the severe human rights situation in Georgia, particularly regarding the release of political prisoners who have been unjustly detained.

The statement concludes by urging the Council of Europe to take a strong stance on these issues.