**Georgia on the Brink: A Call to Action**
In a stark warning, Eerik-Niiles Kross, a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, has sounded the alarm on Georgia’s slide into dictatorship. Speaking at the assembly, he urged immediate action to prevent further erosion of democracy in the country.
**A Russian-led Seizure of Power**
Kross bluntly stated that what is happening in Georgia today is a “Russian-style, Russian-led and Russian-assisted seizure of power.” He emphasized that this is not just a case of “democratic backsliding,” but rather a deliberate attempt by an oligarchic regime inspired and run by Moscow to take control of the country. The Georgian people have been peacefully demonstrating for over 200 days, with none of their demands being met.
**Ignoring the Situation**
The Council of Europe’s response has been inadequate, according to Kross. In January, the assembly ratified the mandate of the Georgian delegation with reservations, but these conditions were not fulfilled. Instead, the regime escalated its crackdown on opposition leaders and civil society. This week alone, 7 opposition leaders were arrested and sentenced, including Givi Targamadze, who faces charges in Georgia, Russia, and Belarus.
**A Call to Action**
Kross issued a clear call to action: “If we do not react now, we will be complicit.” He urged the Council of Europe to impose immediate targeted sanctions against officials of the Georgian Dream government. This includes ministers, parliamentarians, judges, police, and their supporters and families. He also called on worthy civil servants and police officers to leave their positions and join the people.
**A Threat to European Values**
Kross warned that if Georgia falls under Russian control, it will be a victory for Russia’s “Ruski Mir” (Russian World) ideology and a defeat for Europe and the Council of Europe. Belarus is already a conquered nation, and Kross fears that Georgia will follow suit unless immediate action is taken.
**The Time to Act is Now**
As Kross emphasized, silence is no longer neutrality – it is betrayal. The Council of Europe must take decisive action to prevent Georgia’s slide into dictatorship and protect European values. The time to act is now.
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