Helsinki Commission Urges Action on Georgia, Calls for New Elections and Release of Political Prisoners
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, April 28, 2025
Leaders of the U.S. Helsinki Commission have issued a strong statement of support for the Georgian people, marking the 150th consecutive day of peaceful protests against the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Senator Roger Wicker (MS), Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02), Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09), Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09), and Senator John Cornyn (TX) called attention to what they described as a growing threat to democracy in Georgia.
"Tomorrow marks the 150th consecutive day of peaceful demonstrations in Georgia, an extraordinary expression of Georgians' enduring commitment to freedom and independence for their country. We are proud to stand with the Georgian people as they refuse to surrender their democratic aspirations to an illegitimate regime," the statement reads.
The Commissioners condemned the actions of the Georgian Dream government, accusing it of undermining democratic institutions and pushing Georgia closer to authoritarian powers.
"Georgian Dream is clinging to power by denying Georgians the rights and liberties that democratic societies hold dear. By cracking down on independent media, opposition political parties, and peaceful protestors, Georgian Dream is isolating their country from the transatlantic community and condemning Georgia to a future of repression aligned with Russia, China, and Iran," the statement said.
The statement warned that Georgia's shift toward autocracy would have serious consequences for U.S. interests and regional security.
"Georgia's vibrant democratic spirit once made it a beacon of hope in the region. If Georgia continues down this pathway toward autocracy, we stand to lose an ally firmly committed to our shared security and democratic values. Meanwhile, we will be leaving Georgians to suffer under a Russia-controlled authoritarian government after their decades-long struggle for freedom," the Helsinki Commission members stated.
They called on the United States' allies to take a firm stand.
"We call on our transatlantic partners to join us in demanding new free and fair elections and the release of all political prisoners in Georgia. Failure to act would not only betray the hopes and dreams of millions of Georgians, but also greatly diminish the possibility of a free, secure, and prosperous South Caucasus," the statement concluded.
