European Foreign Ministers Condemn Political Repression in Georgia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, July 14, 2025
A joint statement by the foreign ministers of 17 European countries and the European Union's High Representative has condemned what they describe as politically motivated arrests and increasing repression in Georgia ahead of upcoming local elections.
"We strongly condemn the politically motivated arrests and imprisonments of opposition party leaders, which are clearly aimed at suppressing political opposition in Georgia just a few months before local elections," the ministers said in the statement released Friday.
The statement was issued by the foreign ministers of Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, alongside the High Representative of the European Union.
According to the statement, the Georgian government's actions have resulted in a significant deterioration of relations with these countries. The ministers cite restrictions on foreign aid and cooperation as consequences of what they describe as a growing authoritarian shift.
"These detentions, as well as the arbitrary arrests and increasing repression against those critical of the Georgian authorities, civil society representatives, peaceful protesters, and independent journalists, contribute to the erosion of democracy in Georgia and the country's rapid transformation into an authoritarian system, which contradicts European values and norms," the statement said.
The foreign ministers also criticized recent legislative changes in Georgia that they say are intended to suppress independent civil society and legitimate protest.
"Today, the authoritarian and anti-European course of the Georgian authorities poses an even greater threat to the country's democratic achievements and its relations with our countries," the ministers warned.
The statement concluded with a call for immediate action by Georgian authorities.
"It is still possible to change course. We call on the Georgian authorities to immediately release unjustly detained politicians, journalists, and activists, repeal repressive legislation, and engage in a national dialogue with all relevant parties to find a way out of the current situation."
