**Council of Europe Assembly Passes Resolution on Georgia, Highlighting Concerns Over Democracy and Human Rights**
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has adopted a resolution on Georgia, expressing deep concern over the country’s democratic backsliding and human rights situation. The resolution was passed despite the absence of a Georgian delegation to the assembly.
**Key Concerns:**
* **Democratic Backsliding:** The resolution highlights the lack of progress in addressing concerns and recommendations set out in previous resolutions, including those related to electoral reform, judicial independence, and civil society participation.
* **Human Rights Violations:** The assembly expresses concern over reports of intimidation, retaliation, and prosecution against individuals critical of the authorities’ response to social crises.
* **Media Freedom Deterioration:** Georgia’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has dropped significantly, with concerns raised about amendments to media legislation that restrict foreign funding and increase content regulation powers.
* **Civil Society Repression:** The resolution condemns the adoption of legislation reducing employment protection for civil servants and the repeated refusal to register an independent trade union.
**Reactions:**
The Georgian government has not yet commented on the resolution. However, critics have expressed concern that the lack of progress in addressing these concerns will only deepen the country’s political crisis.
**Implications:**
* The absence of a Georgian delegation to the assembly underscores the government’s continued refusal to engage with the Council of Europe on key issues.
* The adoption of this resolution may lead to increased international pressure on the Georgian government to address its democratic and human rights concerns.