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Georgia Says It Fined OSCE Chair Elina Valtonen Over Tbilisi Protest

Details of the reported fine remain unconfirmed, with Valtonen publicly invoking the Helsinki Final Act.

Overview

  • Pro‑government Georgian TV channels, citing the Interior Ministry, reported an administrative protocol and a 5,000 lari (about $1,800) fine against the Finnish foreign minister for allegedly blocking a road in Tbilisi.
  • It is not clear whether Elina Valtonen was formally served or paid the fine before leaving Georgia, and she has not publicly addressed the penalty.
  • During her October 14 visit, Valtonen met civil‑society representatives, spoke with protesters on Rustaveli Avenue, and voiced support for free speech and competitive elections.
  • In a post addressing Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Valtonen referenced the Helsinki Final Act and invited him to Finland to engage with a free press and observe a demonstration.
  • A planned meeting with Kobakhidze was canceled, with Valtonen citing scheduling issues and the Georgian government saying it called off the meeting due to her presence at the protest.