**17 Countries Condemn Georgian Government’s Use of Force**
On December 19, 2024, a group of 17 countries made a joint statement at the OSCE Permanent Council meeting in Vienna. They strongly condemned the actions of Georgia’s government and called them “brutal and unjustified violence” against citizens who were peacefully exercising their rights.
The statement highlighted concerns about the Georgian authorities’ use of repressive measures, including arbitrary detention and physical violence. The countries urged Georgia to stop using these tactics and instead respect the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom from arbitrary arrest.
**Call for Release of Detained Individuals**
The signatories also called on the Georgian authorities to immediately release individuals who were detained while peacefully protesting or exercising their right to free speech. They urged the government to hold accountable those responsible for using force unlawfully.
**Support for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic Aspirations**
The statement reaffirmed the countries’ unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. They also encouraged Georgia to continue on its path of European integration, emphasizing that most Georgians want closer ties with Europe.
**Countries Signing the Statement**
The joint statement was made on behalf of the following 17 countries:
* Belgium
* Canada
* Denmark
* Estonia
* Finland
* France
* Germany
* Latvia
* Lithuania
* Luxembourg
* Norway
* Poland
* Romania
* Sweden
* The United Kingdom
* The United States of America
* The Kingdom of the Netherlands
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