**OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Condemns Georgia’s Election Process and Human Rights Abuses**
The OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) Parliamentary Assembly has adopted a resolution on Georgia, expressing deep concern over the country’s election process and human rights abuses. The resolution, titled “Resolution on Supporting Democracy and OSCE Values in Georgia,” was passed during the assembly’s meeting.
**Election Violations and Human Rights Abuses**
The resolution highlights several concerns regarding Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections held on October 26, 2024. The OSCE election observation mission identified numerous violations in the electoral process, including the use of administrative resources to influence the outcome of the elections. This has led to a lack of legitimacy in the results.
Furthermore, the resolution condemns the disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters who are advocating for Georgia’s European and democratic future. The OSCE is also concerned about the arrests of journalists, activists, and opposition politicians, as well as politically motivated persecution.
**Consolidation of Power and Anti-EU Rhetoric**
The resolution expresses disappointment that the Georgian authorities are using all available means to consolidate power, including the adoption of new laws on “foreign agent registration,” “radio and television,” and “grants.” This is seen as a move to suppress dissenting voices and undermine democratic institutions.
Additionally, the OSCE notes that the situation in Georgia continues to deteriorate, with the government moving further away from the path of European integration. The resolution also expresses deep concern over the growing anti-EU rhetoric and the framing of the European Union as completely unacceptable.
**Support for Pro-European Aspirations**
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly reaffirms its support for Georgia’s pro-European aspirations, demonstrating firm commitment to democratic values and a vision of the country’s future within Europe. The assembly also calls on the Georgian authorities to:
* De-escalate the situation and engage in a national dialogue with all interested parties to find a solution to the current crisis
* Respect the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, and refrain from using force against peaceful protesters, politicians, and members of the media
* Return to the path of European Union integration
**Support for Georgia’s Territorial Integrity**
The OSCE also reaffirms its support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders. The assembly calls on the Russian Federation to revoke its recognition of Georgia’s regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states, to implement the 2008 ceasefire agreement brokered by the European Union, and to end the militarization of these regions and the attempts to separate them from the rest of Georgia by force.
**A Call for Action**
The OSCE resolution serves as a strong message to the Georgian authorities that their actions are not in line with democratic values and human rights standards. It also highlights the need for the government to engage in a national dialogue and return to the path of European integration. The international community is watching, and it remains to be seen whether Georgia will take the necessary steps to address these concerns and move towards a more democratic future.
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