Georgia begins expulsion of foreign pro-EU protest participants

Simona Mazzeo
Credit: REUTERS/Irakli Gedenidze

Tbilisi (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Georgian Interior Ministry initiated procedures for the expulsion of 91 foreigners against the suspension of EU accession talks with Georgia.

Law enforcers in Georgia have launched procedures for expelling foreigners who had taken part in mass Tbilisi rallies, according to the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

According to the press release, the Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs

“expelled 91 citizens of various nations from the country in November-December of this year. Some of them left Georgia voluntarily within the framework of the expulsion procedure, while others were forcibly expelled from Georgia due to measures taken by the Migration Department.”.

According to the release, the people of such countries as Iran, Algeria, India, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Pakistan, Nigeria, Iraq, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkmenistan, and many others were legally expelled from the country during November and December, the agency report said.

Those for whom deportation procedures were initiated by the Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs included among those deported were foreign nationals participating in protests held in Tbilisi during November and December that year. These individuals faced various administrative penalties imposed by the court, totaling 25 people. Of these, 10 foreign nationals have already left Georgia.

What led to the mass protests in Georgia?

On November 28, 2024, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze revealed that Georgia has no intention to enter into discussion over EU membership before at least 2028. He threatened the EU with such a move on charges of “blackmailing” and “manipulating” after it condemned the country’s October polls as marred by “high-level irregularities” and insisted on fresh ones under international watch. 

Since the announcement, protests have erupted in Tbilisi and other cities as protesters expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s decision to freeze EU integration efforts. Protests have been ongoing daily since late November, underlining broad public support for continued integration with the EU.

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Simona Mazzeo is a journalist at Brussels Morning News. She is covering European Parliament, European Council, European Commission & Italy News. She is a law graduate and lawyer residing in Agropoli, has carved out a multifaceted career dedicated to justice and social advocacy. She actively serves as a delegated councilor for the Equal Opportunities Committee of the Bar Association of Vallo della Lucania, championing fair and equal representation within the legal system. Recognized for her expertise and empathy, Simona is qualified for registration in the list of Special Curators of minors in civil and criminal matters at the Court of Vallo della Lucania, ensuring the rights and interests of vulnerable children are protected throughout legal proceedings. Beyond her legal practice, Simona demonstrates a strong commitment to social causes. She is a founding member of the Free Lawyer Movement, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing legal assistance to those who cannot afford it. Additionally, she leverages her knowledge and passion for social justice as a non-professional journalist, contributing insightful and informative pieces on relevant legal and societal issues. Through her diverse endeavors, Simona Mazzeo exemplifies dedication to legal excellence, social responsibility, and a fervent belief in equal access to justice for all.
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