The debate in the European Parliament centered on the situation in georgia, specifically addressing political repression and the detention of political prisoners under the Georgian Dream regime. Concerns were raised regarding the treatment of opposition figures, journalists, and civil society activists, with accusations of a politically motivated crackdown. Transparency International highlighted new legislation criminalizing critical opinions, further exacerbating these issues.
MEPs, including Rasa Juknevičienė, read a statement from Elene Khoshtaria, imprisoned for political reasons, emphasizing the need for attention to Europe’s strategic challenges and rejecting being used as a bargaining chip. The assembly unanimously condemned recent laws restricting foreign funding and political activity, alongside violence against protestors and arrests of opposition leaders, citing a disregard for the rule of law and fundamental freedoms. European Commissioners Kaja Kallas and Marta Kos voiced alarm, stating that the “Georgian Dream” was undermining the long-term partnership with the EU, noting a deteriorating human rights situation and a slide towards autocracy.
Over 150 individuals, including journalists and civil society representatives, were imprisoned for political reasons. Calls for concrete sanctions against those responsible were repeatedly made, alongside demands for the immediate release of all political prisoners and respect for democratic principles. The debate also touched upon georgia’s role in circumventing sanctions against Russia, and the revocation of visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic passport holders.
Despite acknowledging georgia’s economic successes, MEPs stressed the need for fundamental reforms. Several nations, including Germany, France, and Poland, expressed significant concern over the repressive laws. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly underscored the importance of political dialogue, while others, like Markéta Gregorová, urged the European Union to implement targeted sanctions, warning that inaction would embolden anti-democratic forces.
The overall sentiment was that the situation in georgia demanded decisive action to safeguard human rights and uphold democratic values.
Topics: #political #georgia #european
