Czech Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee Calls for New Elections and Release of Political Prisoners in Georgia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, March 14, 2025
The Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Security Committee of the Czech Senate has issued a strong resolution demanding new parliamentary elections in Georgia and the immediate release of all political prisoners. This resolution, posted on the official website of the Czech Senate, underscores growing concerns over political repression, human rights violations, and the ongoing constitutional crisis in Georgia.
According to the resolution, the Czech Senate is responding to "the ongoing protests in Georgia, the constitutional and political crisis following the unfair elections, the growing repression, and human rights violations." The committee urges the Czech government to take decisive action in advocating for democratic principles and human rights in Georgia.
The resolution asserts that holding new parliamentary elections, in line with European Union, OSCE, and Council of Europe standards, is the only viable path to resolving Georgia's current political crisis. It also calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners, an end to politically motivated investigations and prosecutions, and the restoration of fundamental freedoms such as the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Additionally, the Czech government is urged to demand the repeal of laws that have undermined media independence, civil society, and public servants' ability to function without political interference.
Emphasizing the need for justice, the committee calls for thorough investigations into abuses of power by the police, judiciary, and prosecutors. It also recommends significantly broadening the list of individuals subject to sanctions for their roles in repression and the unlawful consolidation of state institutions. This includes police officers, prosecutors, judges, propagandists, state broadcasters, and business figures who have aided the ruling party. Further, the committee urges sanctions against owners and representatives of propaganda media organizations, as well as online content creators who contribute to state-driven misinformation.
