Senior US lawmakers have called on the United States to coordinate with European partners in imposing sanctions and other measures against Georgian authorities, following the release of a critical report under the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism.
The statement was issued by US Helsinki Commission Chairman Senator Roger Wicker, Co-Chairman Representative Joe Wilson, Ranking Member Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen, and Commissioner Senator Jeanne Shaheen.
“The OSCE Moscow Mechanism report is clear: Georgian Dream is robbing the Georgian people of their hard-won freedom and turning their country into an isolated, authoritarian state,” the lawmakers said. “We call on US officials to join with our European partners to use sanctions and other available tools to insist that Georgian authorities heed the recommendations in this report.”
They further urged Georgian authorities to release all political prisoners, drop what they described as politically motivated charges against opposition politicians, and repeal laws they characterized as undemocratic and unjust.
The Moscow Mechanism report, published on March 10, 2026, outlines alleged human rights violations, including the treatment of protestors, political detainees, and members of the media.
Based on the findings, legal proceedings against protestors are often expedited and result in severe penalties, while investigations into alleged violence by security forces remain stalled. The report also points to what it describes as a broader pattern of abuse targeting protestors, opposition leaders, and journalists, in some cases reaching what may amount to torture, alongside a near-total lack of accountability for perpetrators.
In addition, the report raises concerns over the intimidation of journalists, alleging that public broadcasters have engaged in smear campaigns against independent media representatives. It also cites reports of civilian groups allegedly assisting law enforcement in pursuing, harassing, and attacking journalists.
The statement from US lawmakers underscores growing international scrutiny of developments in Georgia, as Western partners continue to assess the country’s adherence to democratic standards and human rights commitments.
