In Georgia, the OSCE head was fined over $1.8 thousand for blocking a road during a protest

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia fined the current OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, 5,000 lari - over $1,800 - for illegally blocking a road during a protest, UNN reports with reference to "News of Georgia".

Details

At this stage, it is unknown whether Valtonen was served with a protocol on administrative violation and whether she managed to pay the fine before leaving Georgia.

The Finnish Foreign Minister was in Tbilisi on an official visit on October 14-15. On Tuesday, she joined participants of an anti-government rally on Rustaveli Avenue. Demonstrators blocked the roadway, although their numbers did not require it.

Georgia sent a protest note to the OSCE over the participation of the organization's head in a protest action in Tbilisi16.10.25, 13:43 • [views_3019]

Valtonen stated that she thus wanted to express support for freedom of speech in Georgia.

Recall

On October 15, the government announced that Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze had canceled a meeting with Valtonen because she had participated in an "illegal action" and made "false statements" about Georgia.

OSCE head and Georgian PM's meeting canceled: who changed their mind and what do protests have to do with it15.10.25, 20:10 • [views_5661]