European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas stated that the Georgian government's current policies are not aligned with the European Union's direction. Arriving at the EU summit in Brussels, she emphasized the EU's support for the Georgian people but expressed disagreement with the Georgian government's actions. Kallas stated that the country's leadership is leading Georgia "in the wrong direction," which is hindering the process of European integration.
A new charge has been brought against social activist Bakhtiyar Gadzhiev, who is being held in a pre-trial detention center in Baku. He is charged with Art. 213.1 of the Criminal Code (tax evasion). “The legal deadlines for conducting the investigation have expired, and new charges are being brought against Bakhtiyar,” noted human rights activist Rufat Safarov.
Bakhtiyar Gadzhiev was detained on December 9, 2022 on charges of hooliganism and contempt of court. In July, he was also charged with illegal entrepreneurship, money laundering, and smuggling.
All the charges brought are fabricated, and the real reason for the arrest is punishment for criticizing the authorities, Bakhtiyar Gadzhiev is convinced. Human rights activists recognized him as a political prisoner.