I appeal to the institutions of the European Union to introduce sanctions against Zviad Kharebashvili and Vazha Siradze, these people are acting against the will of the Georgian people. European Parliamentarian Petras Auštrevičius stated this during his speech at the plenary session of the European Parliament.

“Repeated attempts by the ruling party to introduce a law on “foreign influence” is an example of how they are trying to control civil society, influence the media and the upcoming parliamentary elections.

All this is happening against the background of Georgia’s status as a candidate country for the European Union. The so-called repressive law attempts to justify it with “Western practices” are simply pathetic. Such a law is the key to Russia’s return to authoritarianism.

At the same time, I salute the Georgian people who oppose this decision. Civic activism protects the country’s western future.

Colleagues, I use this opportunity to appeal to the institutions of the European Union to introduce specific sanctions against Georgian individuals who undermine democratic processes and persecute peaceful demonstrators. These people are acting against the will of the Georgian people”, - said Petras Auštrevičius.