US Senators condemn Georgian Government’s actions amid EU membership controversy

Three US senators, Ben Cardin, Roger Wicker, and John Cornyn, have voiced strong support for the Georgian people, commending their peaceful efforts to defend democratic and European aspirations against what they describe as the ruling Georgian Dream party’s “brutal repression”.

In a joint statement, the senators condemned Georgian Dream’s decision to postpone EU membership talks and reject EU budget grants until 2028, calling it a “serious betrayal” of the Georgian people’s clear desire to align with European values and institutions.

They criticized the government for actions they claim mirror “Russian-style autocracy,” alleging gross violations of international democratic norms and the Georgian people’s legitimate aspirations.

The statement denounced the use of force against peaceful protesters, highlighting instances of tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannons, physical beatings, and mass arrests on the streets of Tbilisi. They also accused the government of violating democratic principles and committing human rights abuses, urging accountability both domestically and internationally.

Protests erupted in Tbilisi and other cities on November 28 after the Georgian government announced it would delay EU membership negotiations and financial assistance from the EU. Demonstrators accuse the ruling party of stalling European integration and are demanding new parliamentary elections, rejecting the legitimacy of the 11th parliament’s first session.

Police responses have drawn widespread criticism, with reports of violence against protesters and journalists. The Ministry of Internal Affairs claims force is being used to counter attacks from demonstrators throwing projectiles, fireworks, and Molotov cocktails, but witnesses report indiscriminate assaults on peaceful protesters and media personnel.

The senators emphasized the need for continued solidarity with the Georgian people’s Euro-Atlantic ambitions, urging the international community to take action.