Georgian PM: EU officials’ statements about ongoing court proceedings concerning

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday described statements by European Union representatives regarding ongoing court proceedings in Georgia as an attempt to exert political pressure on the judiciary, saying such actions undermine European values.

Kobakhidze made the remarks while speaking to journalists about statements by EU representatives concerning legal proceedings related to lawsuits seeking to ban opposition parties in Georgia.

He said all parties must respect judicial independence, the rule of law and the independence of institutions.

“This is an attempt at political pressure. Everyone must respect judicial independence, the rule of law and the independence of institutions. When court proceedings are underway and a particular European institution attempts to exert influence or pressure, that is concerning in itself. All of this runs counter to European values, which is very regrettable”, Kobakhidze concluded.