MEP Rasa Juknevičienė: Sanctions are vital against Ivanishvili and all responsible; member states must not wait, for the thirst for freedom is stronger than fear

“Sanctions are crucial against Ivanishvili and every single person responsible. Member states must not wait; the thirst for freedom is stronger than fear, and that is precisely why we must act right now,” stated MEP Rasa Juknevičienė during a debate held in the European Parliament.

“Some think Georgia is a lost cause. They say, ‘Accept the reality, let’s be realists.’ Many thought that we, Lithuanians, were lost too, but that was not true. Georgians have not thrown in the towel. People are still protesting. The majority still desires a European future. That is why our message today matters so much to them as well.

The regime wants to ban opposition parties. It forced German political foundations to close their doors in Tbilisi. It imprisons those who labour for democracy and the rule of law. This is not strength—this is fear. By defying the will of the Georgian people, Ivanishvili’s regime chose Russia.

Putinism will be defeated. The Putinization of Georgia is doomed. Russia is no one’s future. Ukraine still stands and fights. Armenia too made its choice despite pressure from Moscow, so hope is far from lost.

This is why we must act now. Sanctions are vital against Ivanishvili and all responsible actors. Member states must not wait. The thirst for freedom is stronger than fear. We must stand shoulder to shoulder with the Georgian people. Glory to Georgia!” Rasa Juknevičienė declared.

Around 70 MEPs from six different political groups have drafted a joint resolution on Georgia titled “Attempts by the Ruling Georgian Dream Party to Ban Opposition Parties in Georgia.”

The co-authors of the draft resolution include Rasa Juknevičienė, David McAllister, Tobias Kramer, and Małgorzata Gosiewska. The vote on the draft is scheduled for tomorrow, October 8.