Georgian PM questions motives behind Sakharov Prize decision

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday commented on the awarding of the Sakharov Prize to convicted journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli - sentenced to two years in prison for committing an act of violence against a police officer - saying that she had “fulfilled a task”, whether directly or indirectly, assigned by foreign agent network operating in the country.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze noted that the development represented an encouragement of radicalism and criminality, which he described as “regrettable”.

“Mzia Amaghlobeli carried out a task - whether direct or indirect, it doesn’t matter. Foreign agent network in Georgia had an assignment to try their best to discredit our law enforcement bodies, which they failed to achieve. However, some are being rewarded for their attempts - this is exactly what we are seeing”, the PM said.

“This is the promotion of radicalism and crime, which is very unfortunate. Yet, given the current state of European bureaucracy, such developments no longer surprise anyone”, Kobakhidze concluded.