The European Parliament has called for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals imprisoned on political grounds in Georgia, expressing concern over what it describes as politically motivated prosecutions and the erosion of democratic standards in the country.
In a report adopted by the European Parliament, MEPs state that the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili raises serious questions regarding compliance with fair trial standards.
“Despite a guilty plea and the existence of credible public evidence of corruption, the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili raises serious concerns as to whether the proceedings met fair trial standards,” the report states.
Based on the document, the case reflects broader concerns about politically influenced justice, informal power structures and divisions within the ruling Georgian Dream party, including the alleged role of Bidzina Ivanishvili.
The report condemns what it describes as continued attempts by Georgian Dream to persecute political opponents through arrests, detention, threats and physical attacks.
MEPs also criticize the imprisonment of opposition politicians who refused to appear before the Temporary Investigative Commission of what the report refers to as Georgia’s “de facto parliament,” arguing that the commission was used as a political tool to facilitate further pressure on opposition figures and pave the way for potential bans on opposition parties.
“The existence of political prisoners is incompatible with Georgia’s obligations under the EU-Georgia Association Agreement,” the report states.
The European Parliament calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals imprisoned on political grounds, including opposition politicians and former government officials.
The report also notes that two opposition politicians were pardoned by the Georgian president ahead of the municipal elections, which it says helped create a degree of electoral competition.
MEPs further reiterated their longstanding call for the release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili on humanitarian grounds so that he can receive medical treatment abroad. The document also urges the Georgian authorities to grant Members of the European Parliament unrestricted access to Saakashvili and other political prisoners.
In addition, the report expresses concern over the lack of progress in de-oligarchisation efforts. It calls on the Georgian authorities to adopt a systemic approach in line with recommendations issued by the Venice Commission, including stronger transparency requirements, effective conflict-of-interest regulations and safeguards against undue influence over political and economic decision-making.
The report forms part of a broader European Parliament assessment of recent political developments in Georgia and the country’s stalled European integration process.
Related story: European Parliament adopts Georgia report, calls for sanctions against Ivanishvili
