On March 12, the European Parliament struck a firm tone against Georgia’s ruling authorities, condemning what it called political repression and draconian laws, demanding the release of political prisoners, while an OSCE report revealed deep democratic backsliding, painting a stark picture of rights violations, systemic persecution, and growing authoritarian influence from Russia, China, and Iran.

European Parliament Resolution

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Georgia with 438 votes in favor, 37 against, and 81 abstentions, condemning what it described as "politically motivated" arrests in the country. 

According to the adopted text, Georgian authorities have "escalated their repression of political opposition and civil society, particularly since the October 2024 parliamentary elections." The resolution refers to what it describes as "draconian legislation," including FARA, the foreign agents law, amendments to the law on grants and the law on political associations, as well as changes to the criminal code. These measures, the document argues, reflect "a deliberate authoritarian strategy to silence dissent, mirroring Russian-style repression."

The resolution states that since mass protests erupted in Georgia, "hundreds have been detained, fined or prosecuted," including politicians, journalists, and activists. Many of them remain in pre-trial detention, while "dozens have been imprisoned following participation in the protests." It also refers to the case of Khoshtaria, who was arrested on September 15 on charges of "property damage" after scribbling on a campaign poster of Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi.

The European Parliament characterizes the criminal proceedings against Khoshtaria as based on "trumped-up charges" without "credible evidence." It cites reports indicating that "Khoshtaria has been subjected to degrading treatment in detention and that her health condition requires specialised medical care." The resolution "strongly condemns" what it calls the "politically motivated detention" of Khoshtaria and others targeted for exercising their freedom of expression, assembly, or peaceful dissent.

The text further condemns the "systematic persecution" of political opponents, journalists, and activists by what it describes as the "Georgian Dream regime." It also denounces the "degrading and inhuman treatment reportedly inflicted on Khoshtaria during detention," demanding her "immediate and unconditional release," as well as the release of others held for "politically motivated reasons." In addition, the resolution calls for the "immediate withdrawal of politically motivated charges" against those individuals.

The European Parliament also urges an independent and transparent investigation into "allegations of ill-treatment in custody and the abuse of national security legislation," as well as reports regarding "the use of chemical weapons against protestors." The document "strongly condemns" the continued adoption of restrictive legislation and calls on Georgian authorities to repeal such laws, cease using pre-trial detention as a tool of political repression, and ensure judicial independence and due process.

The resolution stresses that the existence of "political prisoners" contradicts Georgia’s obligations under the EU-Georgia Association Agreement. At the same time, it reiterates the European Parliament’s "unwavering support" for the Georgian people and their commitment to a democratic European future. It also encourages the European Commission and EU member states to "support and provide protection to Georgian activists, journalists and opposition figures at risk."

Furthermore, the resolution calls on the EU and its member states to impose "targeted sanctions," including an "EU-wide visa ban," on representatives of the ruling authorities and individuals deemed responsible for politically motivated arrests, prosecutions, and violence against the opposition, dissidents, protestors, and journalists.

Several proposed amendments were included in the final text. One amendment, submitted by the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR), expresses "deep concern over the continued detention and deteriorating health condition" of Mikheil Saakashvili, the former President of Georgia. The amendment states that he has "for more than four years effectively been held as a political hostage of the oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili."

Another adopted amendment raises "serious concern" about what it describes as the expanding "political, economic and security footprint" of Russia, China, and Iran in Georgia. It also criticizes investigations launched against the authors of related reports, including Giorgi Kandelaki, a research author at the Hudson Institute, and Tina Khidasheli, the former Defense Minister of Georgia and head of the Civic Idea think tank. The amendment "expresses outrage" that the authorities have targeted the authors "instead of addressing their alarming findings about the clear and systematic expansion of the influence of authoritarian powers in the country," and calls on the government to "restore freedom of expression, academic freedom and independent research."

Three additional amendments proposed by the Europe of Sovereign Nations Group (ESN) were not adopted. One referred to the 2025 Chandler Good Government Index, which ranked Georgia 26th globally in areas including judicial system performance, transparency, rule of law, and regulatory governance. Another sought to reaffirm support for the Georgian people and "their elected representatives in their pursuit of a sovereign, prosperous and democratic European future without external interference." A third argued that sanctions against Georgian officials would represent "unjustified foreign interference" and instead called for "constructive dialogue."

OSCE Report

A report prepared under the OSCE Moscow Mechanism noted "marked democratic backsliding" in Georgia since Spring 2024 and recommended the immediate release of "all prisoners held for political reasons," along with the repeal of several restrictive laws.

The document, titled "Developments in Georgia in Respect of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms since Spring 2024," was prepared by Professor Patrycja Grzebyk, the rapporteur appointed under the mechanism. The report was published less than two months after 24 countries triggered the procedure. As part of her work, Grzebyk visited Georgia on February 17–18, where she met with government officials and representatives of the opposition. She also conducted online meetings with various stakeholders, received written submissions, and reviewed publicly available sources.

According to the report, the period under review has been marked by significant democratic regression, including what it describes as a "pattern of violence" that in some cases "reached the threshold of torture." The document also highlights restrictions on the freedoms of assembly and expression, noting that these limitations have been imposed through legislation as well as administrative and criminal proceedings. In addition, it raises concerns about the right to a fair trial in cases involving individuals participating in dissent.

Among its recommendations, the report calls on the Georgian authorities to conduct "independent" and "impartial" investigations into alleged irregularities during the 2024 parliamentary elections and to implement recommendations previously issued by the OSCE. It also urges the authorities to invite observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights for future elections, withdraw ongoing efforts in the Constitutional Court to ban several opposition parties, and drop what it describes as arbitrarily initiated criminal charges against opposition leaders.

Professor Patrycja Grzebyk, the rapporteur under the OSCE Moscow Mechanism, further recommends repealing a number of laws that the report says conflict with Georgia’s international commitments. These include the Foreign Agents Law, the Foreign Agents Registration Act, restrictions on foreign funding for media outlets and civil society organizations, the anti-queer "Law on Family Values," and provisions under the Law on Broadcasting that impose what the report describes as excessive restrictions on broadcast content.

The report also calls on the authorities to "immediately and unconditionally" release individuals detained for "political reasons," as well as journalists and "other participants of public debate held for exercising their freedom of expression."

In addition, the document addresses the international community, noting that states parties to the Rome Statute "may consider referral of the situation in Georgia to the International Criminal Court," citing what it describes as a growing number of cases involving political persecution, torture, and other inhumane acts.