The European Parliament has adopted a resolution titled “The Case of Elene Khoshtaria and Political Prisoners under the ‘Georgian Dream’ Regime,” with 438 votes in favor and 37 against.
Based on the document, 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 expression, freedom of assembly, or peaceful protest.” It also condemns what it describes as the systematic criminal prosecution of political opponents, journalists, and activists by the ruling party Georgian Dream.
The resolution further condemns reports of degrading and inhuman treatment allegedly used against opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria during her detention and demands her immediate and unconditional release, along with the release of all individuals detained for what it describes as politically motivated reasons. It also calls for the withdrawal of politically motivated charges against them.
The European Parliament additionally expressed concern over the continued detention and deteriorating health condition of former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili, stating that he has “effectively been a political hostage” of oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili for more than four years.
The document 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 of the use of chemical agents against demonstrators during protests.
MEPs also expressed concern about the growing political, economic, and security influence of Russia, China, and Iran in Georgia. The resolution refers to various studies highlighting these trends and raises concern over investigations launched against the authors of such research, including Giorgi Kandelaki and Tinatin Khidasheli, who authored a study for the Hudson Institute.
The European Parliament urges Georgian authorities to restore freedom of expression, academic freedom, and the right to independent research.
The resolution also strongly condemns the continued adoption of restrictive legislation that it says suppresses fundamental freedoms, political activity, civic protest, and dissenting opinions. It calls on the Georgian authorities to repeal such laws, end the use of pre-trial detention for political repression, and ensure judicial independence and due process.
The document underlines 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 reaffirmed its support for the Georgian people and their democratic European future, calling on the European Commission and EU member states to provide support and protection to Georgian activists, journalists, and opposition representatives who may face threats.
The resolution also calls on the European Union and its member states to impose targeted sanctions and visa bans on individuals it says are responsible for politically motivated detentions, prosecutions, and violence against members of the democratic opposition, dissidents, demonstrators, and journalists.
