Georgia’s crackdown on free speech and political prisoners

The European Parliament is concerned about the situation in Georgia, where the government is cracking down on opposition and civil society. Since the 2024 elections, hundreds of people have been detained, fined, or prosecuted, including politicians, journalists, and activists. Many are in pre-trial detention, and some have been imprisoned.

The Parliament strongly condemns the detention of Elene Khoshtaria, a leading opposition figure, who was arrested for writing a slogan on an election banner. She faces up to 15 years in prison, despite lacking credible evidence. The Parliament also condemns the degrading treatment of Khoshtaria and other prisoners of conscience.

The Parliament calls for the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience, the withdrawal of politically motivated charges, and an independent investigation into allegations of ill-treatment in custody. It also expresses concern about the expansion of Russia's influence in Georgia and the country's deteriorating human rights record.

The Parliament urges the Georgian authorities to restore freedom of expression, academic freedom, and independent research. It also calls for targeted sanctions against the regime and its enablers, as well as an EU-wide visa ban.