Parliament Speaker: Georgian society expects apology from European Commission spokesperson for backing rally aimed at toppling Gov't

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Thursday responded sharply to remarks made earlier by Anitta Hipper, an European Commission spokesperson, asserting that “the only thing Georgian society expects from the European Commission’s spokesperson is an apology” for supporting a rally organised with the goal of toppling the Georgian Government.

In a social media message, Papuashvili criticised the backing of a protest, calling attention to the fact that participants in the rally broke into the presidential palace and damaged property, including injuring 25 police officers.

He added that the spokesperson’s verbal assault on the Georgian Government was a desperate attempt to shirk responsibility.

Addressing the use of the term “Russian” by the spokesperson, Papuashvili warned that she must be aware that “each time she chooses to carelessly juggle the word ‘Russian’ in her rhetoric against the Georgian people and its Government, she will receive a response”.

On October 4, large-scale protests in Tbilisi escalated into a dramatic confrontation, as a group of radical demonstrators tried to storm the presidential palace. The unrest occurred on the same day Georgia held municipal elections.

Authorities detained at least five opposition figures, including Paata Burchuladze. They are now facing charges of plotting to overthrow the government - a potential offense that could carry lengthy prison sentences.

Government officials described the events as a failed coup attempt orchestrated with foreign backing. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called the protests “an attempted overthrow of the constitutional order”.