2017-01-24
In response to the today's statement by EPP President Joseph Daul addressed to the Prime Minister of Georgia, the Administration of the Government of Georgia issued the following statement:
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.
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 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.
Georgian Government's adherence to these values cannot be compromised in response to a politically motivated statement.