Lelo’s Kupradze: Ivanishvili must halt repression and unblock political process; future US stance depends on it

“Ivanishvili must cease using repressive legislation, repeal these laws, and open up the democratic and political process, including for the opposition. What stance and actions will be taken in future by the United States and the Trump administration depends entirely on this,” declared Irakli Kupradze, Secretary General of Lelo–Strong Georgia party.

Kupradze was commenting on a statement issued by the US Embassy, reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which expressed “concern over the division for combating hate speech”.

According to Kupradze, should the repressive legislation fail to be repealed, the government will be forced to take full responsibility for its repressive, anti-Georgian activities.

“Otherwise, Ivanishvili will have to take due responsibility for this repressive legislation, these repressive actions, and this anti-Georgian agenda. That responsibility will certainly be no gift to Ivanishvili. Time and again, the Trump administration has warned Ivanishvili and the Anti-Georgian Dream that they will not walk away from these crimes scot-free. These warnings will not continue indefinitely, and Ivanishvili will be forced to alter his conduct.

First and foremost, this must mean repealing repressive legislation, abandoning the banning of political parties, and returning all processes to a legal and constitutional political framework,” Kupradze stated.