The Georgian Chargé d’Affaires was summoned to the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, „where a senior official made clear the UK’s firm opposition to their country’s increasingly harmful trajectory and strongly objected to false claims and public attacks launched by Georgian Dream against the UK and international partners“.

An FCDO Spokesperson said: “The imprisonment of prominent opposition leaders is the latest attempt by the Georgian government to crack down on freedoms and stifle dissent.

The detention of election rivals is incompatible with any remaining Euro-Atlantic aspirations held by Georgian Dream as well as their own constitutional commitments. The UK Government will not hesitate to consider further action should Georgia not return to respecting and upholding democracy, freedoms, and human rights”.

Official London’s position is not liked by official Tbilisi either, which calls on its partner to respect the country’s strategic interests and sovereignty. According to the Foreign Minister, Georgia is closely monitoring the statements made by Britain.

“Georgia’s strategic interests must be protected, partners should respect our sovereignty and strategic interests. Georgia wants peace and stability in the country, and wants our nation to have the opportunity for democratic development in a stable environment. It is important that international partners take into account what concerns Georgian society, Georgia, and the country’s government, which was elected by the Georgian people. It is important that when we talk about the Georgian people and Georgia, they first and foremost respect their choice”, - said Maka Botchorishvili.