We are observing the Georgian authorities taking more steps away from democratic standards.
The hasty adoption of amendments to the Code on Administrative Offences, Criminal Code, and the Law on Assemblies and Manifestations will deeply affect Georgian society. They will significantly hinder the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and media freedom.
These changes represent a major setback for Georgias democratic development and fall short of any EU candidate country expectations.
We urge the authorities to suspend these measures, avoid further tensions, and await the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) opinion, as requested by the Public Defender.
The Georgian authorities have used intimidation and violence to silence dissent. Peaceful protesters, journalists, and opposition politicians have been targeted for exercising their rights. The case of the detained journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, who is on hunger strike, exemplifies the treatment of journalists and those who speak freely. Those responsible for the violence must be held accountable.
We call on the Georgian authorities to release all unjustly detained journalists, activists, and political detainees. We urge them to engage in dialogue with all political forces and civil society representatives. No option should be excluded to restore trust and dialogue. The OSCE/ODIHR election report recommendations should be urgently implemented. The EU remains ready to support all efforts towards a democratic, stable, and European future for Georgia.