Germany has called on Georgia to investigate reports of excessive use of force against demonstrators and to repeal or amend several laws, including recent amendments to the Law on Grants, warning that the country is increasingly moving away from its European aspirations.
In a statement issued by the German Embassy in Georgia, Berlin said Georgia is violating its international obligations and expressed deep concern over the rapid deterioration of the human rights situation in the country.
The embassy referenced Germany’s remarks delivered at the UN Human Rights Council session on January 26, during Georgia’s review under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism. As part of the UPR process—grounded in the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and international human rights conventions—member states assess one another’s human rights records.
Germany says Georgia’s recent review revealed serious concerns, including growing restrictions on freedom of assembly, association, and expression, the adoption of repressive legislation, and the misuse of administrative and criminal proceedings. Berlin also highlighted the lack of accountability for violent attacks against demonstrators and journalists.
In its recommendations, Germany urged Georgia to:
* Investigate allegations of excessive use of force against protesters, including torture and ill-treatment by police, and ensure access to justice, compensation, and rehabilitation for victims;
* Remove obstacles to civil society activity by repealing or amending the so-called “Foreign Influence Transparency Law,” the “Foreign Agents Registration Law,” and amendments to the Law on Grants;
* Review recent amendments to the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations, the Administrative Offences Code, and the Criminal Code to align them with international law, the recommendations of the Venice Commission, and the EU Enlargement Report 2025;
* Repeal or fundamentally amend changes to the Law on Broadcasting and the Law on Freedom of Speech and Expression.
Germany concluded that adherence to these recommendations is essential for Georgia to meet its international commitments and to remain on a credible European path.
