Statement by Secretary General On Incarceration of Political Opponents in Georgia

As Secretary General of the Community of Democracies, I express deep concern regarding the recent arrests and imprisonment of prominent opposition leaders in Georgia.

Respect for democratic principles, including political pluralism, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights, is essential to strong and resilient democracies, whereas the crackdown on freedoms and stifling of dissent are in direct contradiction to the core democratic principles established in the Warsaw Declaration.

The politically motivated prosecutions, arrests of opposition leaders, and silencing of independent voices pose a serious threat to Georgia’s democratic future. If left unchallenged, these actions risk propelling Georgia into authoritarianism. The Georgian people have consistently expressed their pro-European aspirations, and their voices must not be ignored or crushed.

I appeal to the Government of Georgia to uphold the rule of law and fundamental freedoms that are the bedrock of democracy. I call for the immediate release of imprisoned opposition leaders and an end to the repression of civil society.

I stand with the Georgian people in defense of democracy and their Euro-Atlantic aspirations.