Georgian Parliament official criticises “double standards” after Copenhagen protest dispersal

Rati Ionatamishvili, the chair of the human rights and civil integration committee of the Georgian Parliament, on Saturday said that events in Copenhagen reflected what he describes as double standards within European institutions, arguing that such approaches damage Europe’s international image.

In his remarks, Ionatamishvili noted that European bureaucracy has become so immersed in double standards that it has forgotten the fundamental values upon which Europe was built.

“European bureaucracy has become so deeply immersed in double standards that they have completely forgotten the values on which Europe once stood”, he said.

The official argued that European officials appear to believe they have unlimited rights to take any measures in their own countries, while denying other sovereign states the same rights.

“It is clear that they believe they are allowed to do anything in their own country, while other countries have no rights whatsoever. Such approaches ultimately further diminish the image and role of European countries at the international level. Therefore, during such incidents, our society becomes even more confident in its positions and reaches objective and fair conclusions even more easily”, Ionatamishvili concluded.

Reports from Denmark indicated that police used batons to disperse protesters during demonstrations in Copenhagen, with video footage circulating showing police confronting a media representative.

The protest in Copenhagen involved pro-Palestinian activists who organised a blockade outside the headquarters of Maersk. Danish police reportedly dispersed the demonstration and detained around 20 participants.