Georgian Parliament Speaker warns Brussels will bear responsibility if violence erupts at opposition’s October 4 rally

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Thursday warned that even a single act of violence during the opposition’s planned October 4 rally would be “fully and politically shared by Brussels”.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Papuashvili noted that a “desperate group” may take unpredictable steps, and this unfortunate development had been encouraged by Brussels.

“The greatest danger of desperation is that a desperate group may take unpredictable steps, and this is the unfortunate moment that has been encouraged by Brussels. With its statement, the Brussels spokesperson has shared responsibility for possible violence that may occur during the event organised by the United National Movement on October 4”, the Speaker said.

“We must know who the participants are - this is the United National Movement with its organised rally - and we must also know who is encouraging this. This time Brussels cannot escape responsibility. It has directly shared responsibility. Any act of violence will be politically shared by Brussels. If this happens, we will speak about it very loudly and demand a corresponding political response”, he stressed.

Papuashvili also claimed that October 4 would mark the end of what he called a “violent atmosphere” created by the radical opposition and foreign-funded NGOs.

“The Georgian people will come out and, through their choice, put an end to this violent climate that some are trying to impose on us. From now until 2028, Georgia will have the opportunity to fully concentrate on the country’s development”, he concluded.