Council of Europe Challenges Georgia's Parliamentary Credentials Over Human Rights Violations
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has raised concerns about the credentials of Georgia's parliamentary delegation following the October 2024 elections. The Monitoring Committee's report, issued on 28 January 2025, cites violations of freedom of assembly and expression, and a crackdown on opposition and civil society, which it says are inconsistent with Georgia's obligations as a Council of Europe member.
The committee has called for clear assurances from Georgia's authorities that they are committed to reversing democratic backsliding and fulfilling their obligations. Despite these concerns, the committee suggests that the Assembly approve the credentials of the Georgian delegation at the upcoming April 2025 part-session, pending substantial reforms.
The conditions outlined by the committee include:
- Inclusive political process: Georgia must engage in an inclusive dialogue that includes all parts of society.
- Electoral reform: Immediate attention to shortcomings in the 2024 parliamentary elections and preparation for genuinely democratic new elections.
- Ending police brutality: An immediate halt to police violence, with effective investigations into these incidents.
- Freedom of expression: Full respect for the right to peaceful assembly and expression.
- Release of political prisoners: All political prisoners must be released before the April session.
In addition, the committee has suggested suspending certain rights of the Georgian delegation within the Assembly as a signal of disapproval for the failure to address ongoing human rights abuses.
The final decision on Georgia's credentials will be made during the April 2025 part-session, based on whether the Georgian government takes concrete actions to meet the Council's demands.
