"Release Nika Gvaramia now!" | MEPs write to Gharibashvili on e-mail and call on the public to do the same
Published:
GAIN YOUR FREEDOM TOGETHER WITH US!
"Release Nika Gvaramia immediately!", "Georgia needs independent and free media", "Georgia deserves membership in the European Union" - these are the headlines the MEPs are emailing Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili with.
The statement they have released says they offer three templates to anyone who is interested, talking about Nika Gvaramia's freedom, media freedom in general, Georgia's European future and the need for Europe.
Here are the email templates distributed by MEPs:
Subject 1: Georgia deserves to join the EU!
Prime minister of Georgia Irakli Garibaszwili,
I support Georgia’s accession to the EU. But this process cannot go forward if fundamental freedoms are not respected. The rule of law must be upheld. In a democracy, opposition journalists must be allowed to speak freely.
I ask you to release Nika Gvaramia and respect the 19 April Agreement. Accession to the EU can only be accomplished if you respect the fundamental values on which the Union is based. Together, we are stronger.
Subject 2: Release Nika Gvaramia now!
Prime minister of Georgia Irakli Garibaszwili,
The international community is aware and appalled by the decision to jail Nika Gvaramia on sham charges. In a democracy, such tactics have no place. I ask you to release him immediately and show respect for a free press and the freedom of speech. This will help Georgia allowing EU candidate status.
Prime minister, I believe that the place of Georgia is within the EU. But jailing an opposition journalist is the type of behavior that violates the fundamental freedoms on which the Union is based.
I ask you to release Nika Gvaramia.
Subject 3: Georgia needs a free and independent press!
Prime minister of Georgia Irakli Garibaszwili,
The jailing of critical journalist Nika Gvaramia demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of a free and independent press, which is fundamental for EU candidate country and for a flourishing democracy. Journalists cannot be intimidated or silenced by these kind of tactics.
I ask you to release Nika Gvaramia and stop jailing journalists on sham charges.
"We urge you to contact the Prime Minister of Georgia and demand the release of Nika Gvaramia... European citizens can show that countries with full democracy can join our society... Just "copy" and paste this text into the message box of the email. You can write to the Prime Minister of Georgia to the email indicated in the office: contact@garibashvili.ge" - it is written in the statement signed by the president of ALDE.
