In response to mounting violence by the Georgian authorities against concerned Georgian citizens and members of the political opposition, Freedom House interim President Nicole Bibbins Sedaca issued the following statement:
“We stand in solidarity with Georgians participating in mass protests, who are exercising their right to assemble and voice dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s decision to break with the public’s widespread and deeply held commitment to the pursuit of European Union membership. Rather than listening to the grievances and the dissatisfaction of citizens, Georgia’s leaders have chosen an illiberal, antidemocratic path.
“Violence should never have any part in the political process, and we are deeply concerned by attacks on protesters and members of the political opposition. We urge the government to uphold the rule of law, protect the right to peacefully protest, and immediately release all those wrongfully detained.”