The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has expressed deep concern over Georgia’s continued democratic backsliding, warning of growing pressure on civil society, the political opposition, independent media and dissenting voices.
Adopting Resolution 2664, “The functioning of democratic institutions in Georgia,” PACE said the Georgian authorities had failed to act on earlier recommendations and raised serious doubts about their commitment to Council of Europe obligations.
The Assembly warned that efforts to ban opposition parties and prosecute their leaders on politically motivated grounds could push Georgia toward one-party rule. It called on the authorities to end such prosecutions, protect political pluralism, and launch an open dialogue with the opposition and civil society.
PACE also said the conditions for genuinely free and democratic elections had been seriously undermined by political pressure, deep polarisation and restrictions on democratic freedoms. It criticised curbs on freedom of expression and assembly, and called for the repeal of legislation it considers repressive, including the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence and the Law on the Registration of Foreign Agents.
The Assembly further raised concern over reports of police violence, torture and ill-treatment of detainees during and after demonstrations, and called for credible investigations into allegations of excessive force.
PACE also condemned what it described as transnational repression against Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov, who was deported from Georgia in April despite an interim measure from the European Court of Human Rights.
The resolution was adopted by 83 votes in favour, 5 against and 4 abstentions. PACE said it remained committed to dialogue with Georgia, while stressing that Council of Europe membership carries non-negotiable obligations on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Source: commonspace.eu with JAMnews, Interpressnews, and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
