EU condemns Georgian authorities for suppressing dissent

The European Union has sharply criticised the Georgian government, accusing it of suppressing dissent, attacking independent media, and passing laws aimed at weakening civil society during the recent local elections.

The comments were made in a joint statement by the EU’s High Representative, Kaja Kallas, and European Commissioner Marta Kos, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

Local elections were held across Georgia on October 4. Preliminary results from the Central Election Commission show that the ruling Georgian Dream party won more than 80 per cent of the vote, avoiding a second round in all 64 municipalities. 

Tensions flared in Tbilisi after polling stations closed, when a group of protesters attempted to storm the presidential residence. Clashes broke out, and five organisers were detained overnight.

“The local elections in Georgia took place on October 4 against the backdrop of widespread suppression of dissent,” the EU statement said.

It added that the imprisonment of opposition politicians and activists, along with recent amendments to the Electoral Code favouring the ruling party, had significantly undermined the competitiveness of the vote.

EU officials also noted that a significant portion of the opposition had boycotted the elections, and voter turnout was relatively low.

“Moreover, the Georgian authorities’ delay in inviting international observers, particularly from the OSCE/ODIHR, weakened the transparency of the electoral process and hampered credible and meaningful international monitoring,” the statement continued.

Brussels called on the Georgian authorities to release all those unlawfully detained and to initiate dialogue with the opposition.

“We urge calm and restraint in the post-election period and call on the authorities to uphold citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly and expression. A constructive and inclusive dialogue involving all political actors and civil society is essential, and we urge all sides to refrain from violence,” the statement read.

The EU representatives also condemned recent comments by Georgian officials about the EU’s role in the country, as well as personal attacks against the EU ambassador.

Earlier, President Mikheil Kavelashvili claimed that foreign intelligence agencies were behind the unrest in Tbilisi.

By Aghakazim Guliyev