We are witnessing the Georgian authorities taking further steps away from democratic standards.
The rushed adoption of amendments to the Code on Administrative Offences, Criminal Code and the Law on Assemblies and Manifestations will have far-reaching effects on Georgian society. They will significantly undermine the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and media freedom.
These developments mark a serious setback for Georgia's democratic development and falls short of any expectations of an EU candidate country.
We urge the authorities to suspend these measures, refrain from further tensions, and await the opinion of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), as requested by the Public Defender.
The Georgian authorities have resorted to intimidation tactics and violence to silence dissenting voices. Peaceful protesters, journalists, and opposition politicians have been targeted for exercising their fundamental rights. The case of the currently detained journalist Mzia Amaglobeli is yet another such example on how the authorities are treating journalists and anyone who speaks freely. Mzia, currently on hunger strike is a symbol of courage of all those unjustly detained. Those responsible for the violence must be held accountable.
We call on the Georgian authorities to release all journalists, activists and political detainees detained unjustly. We urge the authorities to ensure a dialogue with all political forces and representatives of civil society. No option should be excluded to re-establish trust and dialogue. The recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR report on the latest elections should be implemented as a matter of urgency. The European Union remains ready to support all efforts towards a democratic, stable, and European future for Georgia.
