STORY
A coalition of 35 OSCE participating states, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the United States, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Georgia. In a joint statement delivered at the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, the group criticised the Georgian government’s recent actions that undermine democratic principles and civil liberties.
The statement highlighted three primary areas of concern:
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Legislative Restrictions on Civil Society: The introduction of the Foreign Agents Registration Act mandates that individuals and organisations receiving foreign funding register as “foreign agents,” imposing financial sanctions and criminal penalties for non-compliance. The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has warned that this law could severely limit the activities of civil society organisations and human rights defenders.
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Targeting of Independent Media: The Georgian government has been accused of suppressing independent media outlets, thereby restricting freedom of expression and access to unbiased information.
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Lack of Accountability for Excessive Use of Force: Reports indicate that law enforcement agencies have employed excessive force against peaceful protesters, with instances of indiscriminate violence by unidentified groups. Concerns have also been raised about unnecessarily long pre-trial detention periods and the reported ill-treatment of detainees.
The coalition called on the Georgian government to cease the use of repressive tactics, release individuals detained for peacefully exercising their rights, and hold accountable those responsible for unlawful use of force. They urged Georgia to engage in inclusive dialogue with political parties, civil society, and OSCE institutions to address these issues. While reaffirming their support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the OSCE states emphasised the importance of adhering to democratic values and human rights commitments. They encouraged Georgia to return to the path of European integration, reflecting the aspirations of the majority of its citizens.