PACE criticized Georgia for persecuting the opposition
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) approved a resolution concerning Georgia. Members expressed concern about the state of democracy in the country.
In the adopted text, PACE criticized the Georgian authorities' proposals to ban opposition parties and persecute their leaders, noting that continuing this course could effectively lead to the formation of a one-party system. The Assembly also called on Tbilisi to repeal several legislative acts, guarantee an independent investigation into the use of force against protesters, and create an atmosphere conducive to free political dialogue.
Furthermore, PACE issued recommendations to Tbilisi regarding the implementation of conclusions and proposals from international organizations such as the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to ensure compliance with democratic norms and Georgia's commitments.
Earlier, Georgian Parliament Speaker Papuashvili noted that the European Parliament and PACE do not recognize his country's sovereignty.
"The Council of Europe, which we joined in 1999 with the idea that our sovereignty would be protected and strengthened, is today effectively an institution that does not recognize the sovereignty of Georgia and the Georgian people. The Georgian people made their choice in 2024, but the political groups ensconced in these institutions said no. Until these institutions recognize our sovereignty, it is difficult to discuss anything with them," Papuashvili stated.
