PACE Adopts Resolution Criticizing Democratic Backsliding in Georgia
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe calls on Georgian authorities to halt opposition persecution and repeal repressive laws.
On June 24, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a resolution sharply criticizing the erosion of democratic standards in Georgia. The resolution urges Georgian authorities to end the persecution of opposition figures, repeal a series of repressive laws, and create conditions for free and democratic elections.
The resolution was supported by 83 PACE members, with 5 voting against and 4 abstaining. It expresses deep concern over the ongoing democratic backslide in Georgia, manifested through the suppression of civil society, political opposition, and dissenting voices, despite previous resolutions and recommendations.
Calls to End Repression and Ensure Democratic Processes
The Assembly's document states:
"PACE expresses deep concern about the continuing democratic rollback in Georgia, characterized by suppression of civil society, political opposition, and dissent, despite earlier adopted resolutions and recommendations. It calls on Georgian authorities to cease the persecution of opposition leaders, repeal repressive legislation, and ensure conditions for free and democratic elections."
Membership in the Council of Europe entails certain non-negotiable obligations, including condemnation of actions undermining democracy. The resolution highlights reforms in education that affect academic freedom and transnational repression against journalists as areas of concern.
PACE further calls for thorough investigations into instances of police violence at demonstrations in Georgia. It underscores the necessity for Tbilisi to comply with decisions from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and recommendations issued by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Despite the criticism, the Assembly affirms its commitment to dialogue aimed at restoring democratic principles in Georgia.
Official Georgian Response
In response, Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili condemned the June 24 PACE resolution as "anti-Georgian." During a broadcast on Rustavi 2 television, he asserted that both PACE and the European Parliament are "anti-Georgian" because they do not recognize Georgia's sovereignty.
Papuashvili argued that PACE failed to acknowledge the will of the Georgian people who elected the ruling Georgian Dream party in the 2024 parliamentary elections. He noted that after PACE demanded new elections, Georgia suspended its delegation's membership in the organization about one and a half years ago.
This dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Georgian authorities and European institutions regarding democratic governance and electoral legitimacy in the country.
