Alarm level red in Georgia: Parliament demands release of political prisoners!

Alarm level red in Georgia: Parliament demands release of political prisoners!

Tiflis, Georgien - On July 12, 2025, the National Council of Georgia unanimously demands the release of all political prisoners. This decision comes at a time when the political situation in the country is tense and international critics raise the alarm. The Neos foreign policy spokesman Veit Dengler is concerned about developments in Georgia and confirms that the government party "Georgian Dream" has significantly undermined the democratic institutions. ots that the oppression of opposition and civil society as well as the imprisonment of political opponents have led to a dramatic situation.

Dengler emphasizes how important it is to defend European basic values and criticize violence against peaceful protests. In particular, the recently adopted foreign agent law is considered a step backwards, which is based on the model of Russian laws. The systematic criminalization of opposition work is also perceived as worrying. At the same time, the Georgian government exposed its accession negotiations with the European Union by the end of 2028.

controversial law on the control of civil society

The parliament of Georgia has passed a law that provides for a stricter control of civil society, as Tagesschau . The law, which was assumed with 84 out of 105 votes, states that NGOs, which receive more than 20% of its funds from abroad, have to register as representatives of "foreign interests". Critics compare it with a similar law in Russia that is used to suppress the opposition and independent media.

EU foreign officer Josep Borrell and the EU Commission commented and warn that this law violates the basic principles and values of the EU. Protests against the law stop, the Council of Europe has already criticized and criticized the lack of compliance with European standards. The opposition MP Jago Chwitschija warns that Georgia's candidate status could be endangered for the EU.

continued protests and government reaction

Despite the severe social tensions and increasing violence, the Georgian government seems to be determined to stick to its policy. Thousands of people have demonstrated in the past few days in Tbilisi and other cities such as Batumi, Kutaissi, Gori and Sugdidi against the Prorussian direction of the government. Reports show that 43 people have been arrested in the disputes and have suffered numerous people, including police officers, such as ZDF reports .

The protests were fueled by the recently taken controversy around the election events and the accusation of election fraud. Prime Minister Irakli Kobachidse has stopped the progress of the EU accession negotiations for the end of 2028 and rejected EU criticism as inappropriate pressure. President Salome Surabischwili has convened additional crisis meetings with foreign diplomats and emphasized the illegitimate nature of the current government.

The Georgian constitution provides the EU accession as the goal, which is supported by around 80% of the population. Nevertheless, the relationship to the EU is considerably burdened in view of the current political developments, even since the government party is increasingly acting in Europe and Brussels has put the approach to Georgia on hold.