Georgian Parliament Speaker demands EU explanation after “Gov't overthrow calls” at EU-funded rally

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Tuesday called for an immediate explanation from the European Union Ambassador, stating that “calls for overthrow” of the Government were heard on Rustaveli Avenue at a rally funded by EU money.

In his remarks, Papuashvili noted that the protest was organised by domestic NGOs Transparency International, Sapari, and other organisations that receive funding from the European Union.

“They were not just participants. This was organised by EU-funded NGOs. Officially organised by several NGOs, including Transparency International and Sapari. You heard statements from participants, including that Baia Pataraia directly managed who was allowed on stage and who wasn't, what statements were filtered or not filtered, and what kind of statements should or should not be made. Baia Pataraia is a person hired by the European Union, who is paid from the EU budget. Therefore, all statements made there were directly permitted by these organisers”, the Speaker said.

“Consequently, when we hear calls to overthrow the Government, we hear that 'fighters should overthrow the government and punish everyone' - I quote the statement made from the stage, from an event funded by the European Union - this is, of course, a catastrophe”, he continued.

Papuashvili further emphasised that the EU Embassy must immediately clarify “how it is that with the money of EU citizens, there is talk in Georgia about overthrow, about fighters, and about punishing everyone”.

“This is no longer just a political accusation or interpretation - this is a fact: with EU funding, rallies are held on Rustaveli Avenue where people call for fighters to overthrow the Government and punish everyone. This again demonstrates that such support and funding contradict both the Georgian Constitution and laws, as well as international law”, he noted.

Papuashvili reiterated his call for a response from the EU mission.

“The EU Embassy must immediately clarify whether it distances itself from the calls for overthrow made by its favored and funded individuals”, the Speaker concluded.