L’Europeista relaunches theappeal for democracy in Georgia and the defence of human rights, promoted by Georgian civil society.
Below is the full text of the open letter addressed to European, Atlantic and international institutions.

An urgent call for democracy in Georgia

We, the ‘ხკ Tamarieli’ Association, the ‘Earth-oba’ Platform, members of the Georgian diaspora, Georgian citizens and their international supporters, address you with this urgent appeal.

Freedom, human rights and democracy under threat

We, citizens of Georgia and representatives of the Georgian diaspora, ask you to support our people’s struggle for freedom, European integration and democratic development, a path and a future that are now seriously threatened.

In recent years and especially in recent days in Georgia there has been an alarming increase in political persecution against activists, journalists and opposition supporters. Systematic repression is ongoing against those exercising their constitutional right to freedom of expression and assembly.

Currently, 104 people are recognised as political prisoners, a clear indicator of democratic degradation that violates both the Constitution of Georgia and basic norms of international law.

This trend threatens not only the internal stability of the country, but also seriously undermines Georgia’s European future and the very values for which so many of us have fought: freedom, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

Since 2021, Georgia has witnessed numerous politically motivated arrests, defamatory charges, disproportionate fines and judicial persecution of citizens, journalists, students and civil activists. This pattern now transcends the boundaries of domestic politics and has become a structural challenge to democratic governance, violating international law and human rights standards.

Particularly alarming are the politically influenced decisions of the judiciary, which in fact justify the arbitrary actions of the government and legitimise political repression.

Equally worrying is the ideological targeting of young people and the use of propaganda mechanisms within state programmes and government-controlled media. These trends violate the principles enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as OSCE and Council of Europe standards on political neutrality and freedom of critical education.

Violations of international law and human rights

As a member of the United Nations and the Council of Europe, Georgia is obliged to comply with international human rights standards, including:

• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UN, 1948);
• The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1966);
• The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR, 1950);
• Articles 2 and 7 of the Treaty on European Union, which enshrine the principles of democracy, the rule of law and human rights;
• The EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EU Magnitsky Mechanism);
• The US Global Magnitsky Act on Accountability for Human Rights Violations.

Today, systematic violations of these obligations are evident in political justice, the politicisation of the judiciary and the punishment of dissent.

Demands to the international community for democracy in Georgia

• The European Parliament – Adopt a resolution clearly assessing the systemic nature of political persecution and human rights violations in Georgia;
• The Council of Europe and the European Commission – Activate enhanced monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in relation to Georgia;
• The European Union and the United States – Apply targeted sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime and the Global Magnitsky Act against individuals responsible for politicising the judiciary, persecuting citizens, and committing acts of violence;
• NATO and international organisations – Support independent media, students and civil society and ensure international monitoring of cases of political repression in Georgia;
• The UN Human Rights Council and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights – Consider the situation in Georgia in the context of political persecution and the degradation of democratic institutions.

Georgia at a crossroads: an appeal for democracy and human rights

Georgia is at a historical crossroads.

If action is not taken quickly and decisively today, the country risks losing the democratic achievements to which our Western partners have contributed significantly.

We firmly believe that Georgia’s rightful place is within the European and Euro-Atlantic Family, among free, democratic and dignified nations.

However, this cannot be achieved while dissenting voices and the media are persecuted and the judiciary serves the political order rather than justice.

We therefore call for your active engagement, firm response and practical support, before Georgia’s democratic future is completely lost.

In faith with hope
Tamarieli’ Association
Earth-oba’ platform
Georgian diaspora representatives and international supporters

You too sign the appeal

To join and express your support, please fill in the official form:
Accession/support form

The Europeist raises the call of Georgian civil society for the protection of democratic institutions and fundamental rights.
Below is the full text of the open letter addressed to European, Atlantic and international institutions.