**Georgian Government Condemned by European Parliamentary Assembly**
In a stern rebuke, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has adopted a resolution criticizing the Georgian government for its rapid democratic backsliding and failure to implement urgent recommendations related to electoral reform, media freedom, and civil liberties. The resolution was passed with 89 votes in favor, 3 against, and 5 abstentions.
**Concerns Over Electoral Reform and Media Freedom**
The assembly expressed concern over recent amendments to the Electoral Code, which could entrench the ruling party’s power and undermine political pluralism. PACE also criticized changes to the rules of procedure of the Georgian Parliament, which lower the majority required for the appointment of members of the Central Election Commission and remove the legal requirement for civil society organizations to be consulted in the appointment process.
In addition, the assembly highlighted the dramatic decline in press freedom rankings in Georgia, linking it to legislation to restrict foreign funding for media outlets and expand state control over content. PACE condemned recent laws diminishing employment protections for civil servants and noted cases of retaliation against those critical of the government’s handling of the ongoing social crisis.
**Violations of Human Rights and Lack of Cooperation**
The resolution also underlined that the Georgian authorities have failed to release all political prisoners, including opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria, who was forcibly stripped naked by police in detention. PACE condemned recent arrests of protesters, journalists, and civic leaders and urged the release of detained protesters.
The assembly expressed concern over the continued use of pretrial detention on questionable grounds and criticized the treatment of protesters during demonstrations. It also noted that new amendments to the Law on Administrative Offences have a chilling effect on freedom of assembly and expression.
**Threats to Civil Society and Opposition Parties**
PACE warned that threats to ban opposition parties, such as the United National Movement and its “successors,” would constitute a gross violation of Council of Europe obligations. The resolution expressed alarm over the interrogation and threatening with prosecution of former Georgian PACE delegates for their 2008 vote on a resolution concerning the war with Russia.
**Warning and Call for Reforms**
The resolution concluded with a warning that the current state of affairs would not support the ratification of any new Georgian delegation’s credentials in future Assembly sessions unless meaningful reforms are implemented. It called on Georgian authorities to act on prior recommendations and to fully resume cooperation with the Council of Europe.
As the situation in Georgia continues to deteriorate, the international community is watching closely. The European Parliament’s resolution serves as a stark reminder that the Georgian government must take immediate action to address human rights concerns and ensure democratic standards are upheld.