**European Parliament Demands Release of Jailed Georgian Activist**
The European Parliament has once again called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mzia Amaghlobeli, a Georgian activist who is facing politically motivated charges. The call was made in an amendment to a resolution on Georgia that was adopted by the parliament today.
The parliament expressed concern over the deterioration of Ms. Amaghlobeli’s eyesight and demanded that she have access to reliable medical care as soon as possible. This is not the first time the European Parliament has intervened in Ms. Amaghlobeli’s case, and it highlights the worrying trend of human rights abuses in Georgia.
**Restrictions on Civil Society**
The resolution also condemned the Georgian government for adopting restrictive laws that are reminiscent of those used by Russia to stifle civil society. The parliament expressed concern over a new law that requires all civil society organizations to register grants with the government and obtain executive approval before receiving foreign funding. This is seen as an attempt to silence critics and muzzle dissent.
The resolution also condemned the decision to freeze bank accounts of public fundraising initiatives and campaigns in support of political prisoners and their families. This is just another example of the Georgian government’s efforts to intimidate and silence civil society representatives, journalists, and media workers.
**Free Speech and Journalistic Freedoms**
In a separate development, the European Parliament expressed concern over the refusal of entry to several European journalists who were attempting to report on the situation in Georgia. This arbitrary and unjustified decision is a clear example of the Georgian government’s efforts to stifle free speech and journalistic freedoms.
The resolution was adopted with 490 votes in favor and 147 against, showing the strong support for human rights and democratic values within the European Parliament.
**What it means**
This resolution highlights the growing concerns over the state of democracy and human rights in Georgia. The Georgian government’s efforts to silence critics, stifle civil society, and restrict free speech are deeply worrying and undermine the country’s commitment to democratic values.
As a reminder, this is not just about one person – Mzia Amaghlobeli – but also about the many others who are facing similar challenges in Georgia. The European Parliament’s resolution sends a clear message that it will continue to stand up for human rights and democracy, even when faced with adversity.
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