European Parliament Demands Immediate Release of Khoshtaria and Georgian Political Prisoners
By Messenger Staff
Friday, March 13, 2026
The European Parliament has passed a resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria and all other political prisoners currently held by the Georgian Dream government.
The resolution focuses on the plight of Khoshtaria, a leader of the Coalition for Change, who has been in custody since September 2025. Her detention followed a protest where she wrote "Russian Dream" on a ruling party campaign banner. She now faces up to 15 years in prison on charges the Parliament labeled as trumped-up and lacking credible evidence. Lawmakers expressed specific concern over reports of "degrading and inhuman treatment" during her detention and warned that her health requires urgent medical attention.
Beyond individual cases, the European Parliament condemned a broader "authoritarian strategy to silence dissent" that has intensified since the 2024 elections. Lawmakers pointed to the passage of "draconian legislation", including the Foreign Agents Registration Act and the law on transparency of foreign influence, which they argue mirrors repressive tactics used in Russia.
The text also drew attention to the case of Mzia Amaglobeli, an imprisoned journalist and 2025 Sakharov Prize laureate. Describing the current climate, the Parliament stated that the "existence of political prisoners is incompatible with Georgia's obligations under the EU-Georgia Association Agreement."
In response to these developments, European officials are urging member states to move beyond diplomatic warnings. The resolution calls for "targeted sanctions, as well as an EU-wide visa ban" against representatives of the regime and those responsible for the violence against protesters and the prosecution of the opposition.
Furthermore, the Parliament demanded "an independent and transparent investigation into allegations of ill-treatment in custody and the abuse of national security legislation." Most notably, the document highlighted "credible reports regarding the use of chemical weapons against protestors," calling for an immediate probe into these claims.
Despite the harsh criticism of the current administration, the resolution reaffirmed "unwavering support for the Georgian people and their commitment to a democratic European future." Lawmakers encouraged the European Commission to provide direct protection to activists, journalists, and opposition figures who are currently at risk.
The resolution has been forwarded to the Georgian authorities, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE. It serves as a formal reminder that Georgia's path toward European integration is stalled as long as political persecution continues.
