Georgian Opposition Parties Appeal to EU Leaders for Urgent Action Amid Political Crisis
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, December 16, 2024
In a letter addressed to the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of EU Member States, the Members of the Foreign Affairs Council, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Georgian political parties and coalitions have called for decisive EU intervention to address a severe political crisis in the country. The letter outlines allegations of election fraud, state-sponsored violence, and political repression following the ruling Georgian Dream party's decision to suspend EU accession negotiations until 2028.
The letter begins by describing the crisis as a direct consequence of the October 2024 parliamentary elections, which it claims were rigged. According to the parties, the regime of Bidzina Ivanishvili unilaterally suspended EU membership negotiations, a decision that sparked widespread protests across the country.
"Following rigged parliamentary elections in October 2024, the self-proclaimed regime of Bidzina Ivanishvili suspended EU accession negotiations until 2028," the letter states. "This has sparked peaceful protests that are being suppressed with state-organized terror."
The letter provides detailed accounts of alleged violence and repression. It claims that as of December 9, over 500 individuals, including minors, have been arrested during protests and house raids. It further alleges that more than 300 people, including 73 journalists, have been subjected to violence by government-controlled special forces and masked street gangs.
"Even Georgian Dream-appointed Public Defender, Levan Ioseliani, while assessing the facts, admitted that 'physical violence is an understatement,'" the letter notes. Despite the documented evidence, the letter claims no investigations have been initiated, and those responsible remain unaccountable.
The letter also outlines what it describes as systematic political persecution. It claims opposition leaders have faced violent attacks, including during a protest in Tbilisi on December 5, where police allegedly failed to intervene. Two opposition leaders, Nika Gvaramia (Akhali) and Aleko Elisashvili (Strong Georgia), were reportedly arrested, with Elisashvili sustaining severe injuries and facing criminal charges.
Additionally, the letter warns against the election of Mikheil Kavelashvili as Georgia's president on December 14, describing him as a pro-government figure involved in anti-Western propaganda. "If elected by Ivanishvili's self-proclaimed and illegitimate parliament, [Kavelashvili] will have neither independence nor legitimacy," it asserts.
The letter calls for new elections under an improved electoral framework, free from political influence. It urges the EU to take several immediate actions to support the Georgian people, including:
- Demanding the release of all detained politicians, activists, and demonstrators.
- Imposing targeted sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili and other officials involved in political repression.
- Suspending visa-free access for Georgian officials associated with the current regime.
- Declaring the regime of Bidzina Ivanishvili illegitimate in official EU statements.
- Suspending diplomatic engagement with the Georgian government until it agrees to hold free and fair elections.
The letter concludes by emphasizing the courage of the Georgian people in resisting what it describes as Russian-backed authoritarianism. It urges the EU to stand with Georgia in its fight for democracy and a European future, stating, "Your clear and resolute voice, coupled with decisive actions, will play a pivotal role in de-escalating the alarming situation in Georgia and restoring the country's constitutional framework."
The letter is signed by Nika Melia (Coalition for Changes), Tina Bokuchava (Unity National Movement), Mamuka Khazaradze (Lelo for People), Zaza Tavadze (Gakharia for Georgia).
