**UK Imposes Sanctions on Georgian Officials**
On April 10, the United Kingdom government took a bold step in condemning serious human rights violations in Georgia. The UK designated four high-ranking security officials under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulation 2020. These individuals – Shalva Bedoidze, Mirza Kezevadze, Karlo Katsitadze, and Giorgi Gabitashvili – will now face financial sanctions, including the freezing of their funds and economic resources.
**A Growing Concern in Europe**
This move by the UK comes as a warning to Georgia’s government. The country’s parliament speaker, Shalva Papuashvili, has drawn comparisons between the European Union and the Soviet Union. He argued that if Georgia is to become part of the EU, it must ensure that the “Sovietization” of the EU does not occur. This statement reflects growing concerns within Europe about Georgia’s democratic backsliding.
**Criticism from Local CSOs**
Papuashvili has also faced criticism for his comments on protesters who obstructed government officials from paying tribute at a memorial. He accused local civil society organizations (CSOs) of promoting hatred, violence, and disinformation through European funding. This statement has been met with strong opposition from Transparency International Georgia and other CSOs.
**Parliamentary Changes**
The Georgian Dream Parliament is preparing to adopt new rules of procedure that could further simplify the rubber-stamping of laws. These changes would allow for greater control by the government over parliamentary proceedings, including the confidence vote process and the annual duties of the Speaker.
**International Condemnation**
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has adopted a resolution condemning Georgia’s rapid democratic backsliding. The assembly warned that continued deterioration in governance could undermine the country’s standing within the organization. This resolution reflects the growing concern among European countries about Georgia’s human rights record.
**Human Rights Concerns**
Three Georgian CSOs have submitted a report to the OSCE Vienna Mechanism, criticizing the ineffective investigation of alleged torture and ill-treatment of protesters since November 2024. The report highlights excessive force against peaceful protesters and harassment of journalists and activists as evidence of an organized crackdown on civil liberties.
**Georgia-Russia Tensions**
The sentencing of two Georgian nationals by a Russian court has further strained relations between Georgia and Russia. Giorgi Goglidze was sentenced to nine years in prison for allegedly fighting alongside Ukraine, while Gela Beglarashvili received a 14-year sentence in absentia.
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