Georgian PM cancels meeting with OSCE chair over rally participation

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has cancelled a scheduled meeting with OSCE Chairperson Elina Valtonen following her participation in a rally in Tbilisi on October 14, Caliber.Az reports, referring to Georgian media outlets.

“The decision was taken because of Elina Valtonen's participation in an illegal rally and spreading false statements,” the Georgian government said in an official statement.

The OSCE Chairperson, who also serves as Finland’s Foreign Minister, met with protesters outside the Georgian parliament on the eve of the rally. According to activists, Valtonen spoke directly with demonstrators, discussing the objectives and plans of their action.

Following her engagement with the protesters, Valtonen expressed support for them on social media, posting:

"Peaceful protestors have gathered in front of the Parliament Building in Tbilisi, Georgia, to voice their concern over the repressive direction of their country. They have every right to democracy, to freedom of expression and basic human rights. We are here to support them."

By Tamilla Hasanova