The European Parliament has called for the imposition of sanctions against the Georgian authorities.

The European Parliament adopted a report on the situation in Georgia by an absolute majority, sharply criticizing the actions of the country's authorities, The Caspian Post reports.

The document expresses "full solidarity with the Georgian people, who continue to fight for a European and democratic Georgia" amid Tbilisi's shift in its approach to European integration.

The report details numerous violations: arrests of demonstrators and dissidents, beatings and torture of protesters, restrictions on the work of media and NGOs, violations of minority rights, and the use of criminal and administrative law as a "repressive instrument." The European Parliament also cited the use of "excessive force" to disperse protests, including the possible use of "chemical weapons."

As many as 436 parliamentarians voted in favor of the document, while 145 voted against. The European Parliament demanded the repeal of all "repressive laws" and recommended that the European Council and the European Commission consider introducing targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for violations of democratic norms, including Georgian Dream party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, as well as judges and prosecutors.

If no changes are made, the European Parliament considers it appropriate, as a last resort, to abolish the visa-free regime for Georgian citizens.