“No immunity this time” - Georgian Parliament Speaker addresses foreigners on radical contacts

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Friday addressed the potential actions of radical groups during the upcoming local elections and emphasised the responsibility of foreigners in Georgia, including those on diplomatic missions.

In his remarks, Papuashvili noted that the Government was closely monitoring contacts between foreigners and radical groups.

“I want to once again address all foreigners in Georgia, whether on diplomatic or non-diplomatic missions: you will not evade responsibility this time. We remember the violent attacks on police last December, funded by NGOs linked to foreigners - including arson and other acts of aggression. To this day, there has been silence; none of these acts of violence and domestic terrorism have been condemned, even as investigations continue to reveal that EU funds were used to finance these domestic terrorists”, the Speaker said.

He further highlighted that to this day, not a single statement had been issued by the EU Ambassador, adding that the Georgian people were concerned and wanted to know how EU funds were used.

“Not a single statement has been made by the EU ambassador. The Georgian people are concerned, questioning how EU funds were spent. Yet the EU ambassador remains hidden in their embassy and does not answer questions about whether or why EU money was directed to these violent groups”, he continued.

“Therefore, I call on all foreigners to act responsibly regarding their funding, communications, and meetings with terrorists, radicals, and extremists. I personally will not allow such meetings to take place, and each occurrence will be exposed”, the Speaker concluded.