ODIHR Director Concerned about ‘Recent Developments in Georgia’
Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) tweeted on February 13 that she shares “concerns raised by the international community about recent developments in Georgia that have contributed to the breakdown of important political dialogue.” Gísladóttir encourages all sides to re-engage in this process.
I share concerns raised by the international community about recent developments in Georgia that have contributed to the breakdown of important political dialogue and encourage all sides to re-engage in this process.
— Ingibjorg Solrun Gisladottir (@ingibjorgSolrun) February 13, 2020
Following the Supreme Court ruling, the opposition parties decided to cease electoral reform talks with the ruling Georgian Dream party, and announced a protest rally on Tbilisi’s main Rustaveli Avenue on April 4, where they will unveil a joint action plan for the upcoming parliamentary polls in October.
Major opposition parties slammed the Supreme Court decision as politically motivated, while ruling Georgian Dream party representatives say everyone should be equal before the law.
Jailing of Gigi Ugulava triggered concerns among Georgia’s international partners. On February 12, the European Union stated it is “scrutinizing closely” the Georgian Supreme Court ruling in the case against Gigi Ugulava.
Latvian, Swedish and Lithuanian Foreign Ministers, as well as Estonian Foreign Ministries also released statements expressing their concern about Ugulava case.
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