**UK Minister Slams Georgia’s Repression, Vows Continued Support for Democracy**
The United Kingdom is keeping a close eye on the situation in Georgia, where opposition leaders have been jailed and civil society groups have faced repression. In response to a written question from Labour MP Blair McDougall, UK Minister of State for Europe, North America, and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty said that he is “seriously concerned” about the government’s actions.
**Politically Motivated Sentencing?**
Doughty criticized the sentencing of opposition leaders, calling it “clearly politically motivated and aimed at blocking political opposition from future elections.” He also raised concerns about the repression of civil society groups, citing recent legislation that restricts freedom of assembly and arrests people arbitrarily. The British official expressed his support for Georgia’s fifth president, Salome Zurabishvili, who he said is working to promote democracy in the country.
**UK Takes Action**
Doughty revealed that he has taken several steps to address the situation in Georgia. On May 15, he raised his concerns with Georgian Dream officials about their repressive legislation and restrictions on civil society. He also discussed the issue with Zurabishvili on June 18, expressing support for her efforts to promote democracy.
On June 23, Doughty called on Georgian Dream to end its misuse of the courts to silence dissent and free all political prisoners. British Ambassador Gareth Ward met with Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on June 26, raising concerns about attacks on civil society, media, and non-governmental organizations.
**Strained Relations between London and Tbilisi**
The situation in Georgia has strained relations between the UK and Georgia. In November 2024, Georgian Dream shifted its foreign policy away from the EU, leading to widespread protests. The UK sanctioned five senior officials for their role in the protest crackdown, and more sanctions have followed.
**UK’s Commitment to Democracy Remains**
Despite the tensions, Doughty said that the UK’s support for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations remains steadfast. He vowed that the UK is ready to assist in a return to democratic norms and European values. The British Foreign Office summoned the Georgian chargé d’affaires on June 30 to express its opposition to Georgia’s “harmful trajectory.”
Doughty also chaired an emergency meeting with like-minded European democracies on July 1 to discuss the situation in Georgia.
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