**Georgia’s Ongoing Repression: PACE Rapporteurs Express Concern**
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has issued a statement expressing deep concern over the ongoing repression against dissenting political voices in Georgia. Co-rapporteurs Edite Estrela from Portugal and Sabina Ćudić from Bosnia and Herzegovina have condemned the Georgian authorities for their actions.
According to the rapporteurs, journalists and political activists are being summoned to court for allegedly insulting ruling party officials on social media. This is just one example of the baseless and disproportionate legal measures being taken against opposition members who refuse to appear before a parliamentary investigative commission. The commission’s goal to examine actions committed by the “previous regime” and ban political opposition in the country has been openly declared.
The co-rapporteurs are worried that these repressions will worsen the social and political crisis in Georgia and distance the country further from fulfilling its obligations as a member of the Council of Europe. They have called on the authorities to end the undemocratic repression of dissent in Georgian society and reverse the country’s rapid democratic backsliding.
The PACE rapporteurs are committed to maintaining an open and constructive dialogue with the authorities and all political forces to assist Georgia in fulfilling its obligations to the Council of Europe. This is not the first time that concerns have been raised about Georgia’s democratic record, but it highlights the importance of ensuring freedom of expression and opposition in a healthy democracy.
**Analysis**
The PACE statement comes at a critical moment for Georgia, where the country’s democratic backsliding has been well-documented by various international organizations. The use of baseless legal measures to silence dissenting voices is a worrying trend that undermines the principles of democracy and human rights.
As Georgia continues to grapple with its own internal issues, the pressure from the international community will only increase. The PACE rapporteurs’ statement serves as a reminder that democratic backsliding has consequences, not just for the country itself but also for its relations with other member states of the Council of Europe.
**The Way Forward**
For Georgia to regain its footing on the path towards democracy, it needs to take concrete steps to address these concerns. This includes ensuring that opposition voices are heard and respected, protecting freedom of expression, and upholding the rule of law. The PACE rapporteurs’ call for dialogue with all political forces should be taken seriously by the Georgian authorities, as a way forward requires collaboration and constructive engagement.
**Conclusion**
The ongoing repression against dissenting voices in Georgia has significant implications for the country’s democratic development and its relations with other member states of the Council of Europe. The PACE rapporteurs’ statement serves as a timely reminder that democracy is not just about elections but also about ensuring freedom, justice, and human rights for all citizens.
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