The European Parliament has strongly condemned what it describes as the politically motivated detention of Georgian opposition figure Elene Khoshtaria and other individuals, reads a draft resolution that Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are voting on today.
The document, titled “The Case of Elene Khoshtaria and Political Prisoners under the ‘Georgian Dream’ Regime,” states that the European Parliament “strongly condemns the politically motivated detention of Elene Khoshtaria and all other persons who have been targeted for exercising their freedom of speech and assembly or for expressing peaceful protest.”
Based on the the draft resolution, the European Parliament also condemns what it describes as the “systematic criminal prosecution” of political opponents, journalists, and activists by the ruling Georgian Dream party.
The resolution further condemns reported degrading and inhuman treatment allegedly used against Khoshtaria during her detention. MEPs demand her “immediate and unconditional release,” along with the release of all individuals detained for what they describe as politically motivated reasons. The document also calls for the immediate withdrawal of all politically motivated charges.
The European Parliament calls for an independent and transparent investigation into allegations of ill-treatment of detainees and the abuse of national legislation. It also calls for an investigation into credible reports that chemical agents were used against demonstrators during protests.
In addition, the draft resolution strongly criticizes the continued adoption of legislation that it says restricts fundamental freedoms, political activity, and civil protest while suppressing dissenting opinions. MEPs call on the Georgian authorities to repeal these restrictive laws, end the use of pre-trial detention as a tool of political repression, and ensure judicial independence and due process.
The document emphasizes that the existence of political prisoners would be incompatible with Georgia’s obligations under its Association Agreement with the European Union.
At the same time, the European Parliament reiterates what it calls its unwavering support for the Georgian people and their democratic European future. It urges the European Commission and EU member states to provide support and protection to Georgian activists, journalists, and opposition representatives who face threats.
The draft resolution also calls on the European Union and its member states to impose targeted sanctions and visa bans against individuals it says are responsible for politically motivated detentions, prosecutions, and violence against members of the democratic opposition, dissidents, demonstrators, and journalists.
MEPs are expected to vote on the resolution later today.
