Georgian Gov’t to EPP President: "We can’t engage in releasing persons charged in court"

The Government Administration of Georgia late last night issued a statement in response to yesterday’s request by European People’s Party (EPP) President Joseph Daul, who called on Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili to release „political prisoners" in the country.

"The Administration of the Government of Georgia emphasizes the respect of the Prime Minister and the Government for the opinions of their European colleagues. The Prime Minister and the Government pay due attention to their suggestions. However, justice in a democratic system is administered by the judiciary, not the executive branch or a prime minister", the statement read.

The statement also stressed Georgia’s efforts to bring the country into line with European standards. It said: "Georgia is a European country, Associated with the European Union, and it has successfully implemented European standards. Since 2012, Georgia’s distinguished progress in the process of the implementation of European democratic reforms has been recognized by the European Union as well as by other partners and international organizations. Georgia managed to transform itself into a country rooted in the basic value of human freedom."

"In a democratic system, those guilty are held responsible for their crimes, including violent criminal acts resulting in deaths, torture, dishonor and humiliation", the statement added.

"The Government of Georgia cannot engage in the process of releasing persons charged in the court with such crimes despite their political affiliation, and it cannot introduce impunity, which is also unacceptable in a democratic society. These are not the values of a Western, democratic and constitutional state.".

The statement added that the Georgian Government’s adherence to these values cannot be compromised in response to a politically motivated statement.

Yesterday, the EPP President met former leaders of Georgia’s main opposition party, the United National Movement, who left UNM to establish a new political party, European Georgia.

Following the meeting Daul wrote on Facebook: „David Bakradze, Giga Bokeria, Gigi Ugulava and Gigi Tsereteli [ - all former UNM members] came today to present me their new political project, "European Georgia". I was particularly pleased to see Gigi Ugulava, former mayor of Tbilisi, who was recently released after 2.5 years spent in prison. My thoughts go to the other political prisoners still detained in Georgia and I call on PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili for their immediate release."