Crimean Tatar Edem Smailov, serving a 13-year sentence in Correctional Colony No. 1 in Kostroma, has been unable to receive adequate medical care for almost a year. Since his transfer to the colony in January 2025, his request for a dental consultation has remained unanswered.
In a joint statement, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed their concern about the current political situation in Georgia.
"If Georgia does not change its current course and does not demonstrate tangible efforts regarding reforms, in particular, does not cancel the recently adopted legislation that contradicts European values and principles, we will not be able to support the beginning of negotiations on joining the EU," the statement says.
The President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, wrote on social networks that Europe should pursue a "clear and tough policy." According to her, Georgia is the first challenge.
"All of Europe unanimously declares that it must take more responsibility into its own hands. The first challenge is Georgia: Europe must pursue a clear and tough policy and must not accept challenges to democracy supported by Russia," writes Zurabishvili.
The fifth summit of the European Union will be held today in Budapest. Even before the beginning of the ego, Zurabishvili communicated with European leaders about the situation in Georgia, the Presidential Administration reports. The Prime Minister of the country, Irakliy Kobakhidze, will also take part in the event.