“We are categorically against suspension of visa liberalization for citizens, but we approve of personalized, targeted sanctions imposed on those who are directly involved in violence, violation of human rights,” said Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the For Georgia party at the briefing.

According to Giorgi Gakharia, hostages of “the regime” should be immediately and unconditionally released and new elections must be appointed shortly.

Gakharia touched on the Law ‘on transparency of foreign influence’ and the legislative package on ‘family values and protection of minors’ and stated that “nobody remembers these laws today.”

“The de-facto Georgian government drove the Georgian population to the condition when we do not think of these laws. We are thinking about how our children are not mutilated and how our citizens are not abused by masked individuals. Therefore, we should achieve the release of unlawfully detained youngsters and then new elections politically, through peaceful and mass protests,” he said.

The European Commission is reviewing a possible activation of the visa regime suspension mechanism for certain categories of persons.

“The adoption of the Law ‘on transparency of foreign influence’ in May 2024, and the adoption of the legislative package on ‘family values and protection of minors’ in September 2024 undermine the overall legal framework for upholding fundamental rights,” reads the report.