EPP calls for sanctions against Ivanishvili

The European People’s Party (EPP) calls on the EU and partners to impose sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, and the Georgian government to release Mikheil Saakashvili and Nika Gvaramia.

This is stated in the resolution adopted today by the ERR “Democratic move back and political persecution in Georgia.”

“Given that the political imprisonment of the former President of Georgia, citizen and official of Ukraine Mikheil Saakashvili, who is in a Georgian prison and the denial of adequate treatment, continues, the recent decision of the Court of Appeal regarding political charges against the managing director of Mtavari Arkhi Nika Gvaramia only strengthens Georgia’s democratic regression and the influence of Russia in the country, which is caused by the oligarchic rule of Bidzina Ivanishvili and the subsequent seizure of the state,” the resolution says.

The resolution also notes that the Georgian authorities show “clear disregard” for the 12 recommendations put forward by the European Commission for obtaining the status of a candidate member of the European Union.

The European People’s Party calls on the Georgian government to stop political persecution, and the European Union and partners to impose personal sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili.

“[EPP] calls on the government of Georgia to stop the political persecution of its political opponents and free media – to ensure the immediate release of the ex-president and his humanitarian transfer to another country for adequate treatment, as well as to release Nika Gvaramia, director of the Mtavari Arkhi TV company, from prison.

[EPP] calls on the European Union and democratic partners to impose personal sanctions against the oligarch Ivanishvili for his role in sabotaging Georgia’s European integration and for creating a threat to the security of Georgia and the region,” the resolution says.