OSCE Chairperson Elina Valtonen fined for blocking Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi after joining unlawful protest

According to Imedi News, Elina Valtonen, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, has been fined for illegally blocking Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. The information was confirmed to Imedi News by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

As a reminder, during her visit to Georgia under the OSCE Chairperson’s mandate, Minister Valtonen joined an unlawful protest on Rustaveli Avenue, which sparked strong criticism from the ruling Georgian Dream party.

In response to the incident, the Prime Minister of Georgia canceled his scheduled meeting with the Finnish Foreign Minister.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia expressed concern over Valtonen’s actions during her visit as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and sent a protest note to the OSCE Secretariat and participating states.