**European Parliament Condemns Georgian Government’s Crackdown on Opposition**
The European Parliament has strongly condemned the Georgian government’s persecution of opposition politicians, labeling them “political prisoners.” The resolution, adopted today, criticizes the ruling party, Georgian Dream, for targeting its political opponents through illegal arrests, detentions, and prosecutions.
According to the resolution, the committee established by Georgian Dream is disproportionately focused on actions taken by the previous government, which ended its mandate 12 years ago. MEPs believe this demonstrates the “political nature” of the investigation and highlights the government’s efforts to silence opposition voices.
The resolution specifically mentions the cases of several prominent opposition politicians, including Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze, Mamuka Khazaradze, Badri Japaridze, Giorgi Vashadze, Nika Melia, Nika Gvaramia, and others. These individuals have been targeted by the government through politically motivated charges, detentions, and prosecutions.
The European Parliament also expressed concern about the deteriorating electoral environment in Georgia, citing changes made to the country’s Organic Law and Electoral Code in December 2024. The resolution notes that these changes will make it difficult for opposition parties to participate fairly in the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for autumn 2025.
**EU Calls for New Elections and Restoration of Trust**
The European Parliament reiterated its call for new parliamentary elections to be held in the coming months, conducted under an improved electoral environment and with close monitoring by international and independent local observers. The resolution emphasizes that this is the only way to resolve Georgia’s political crisis and restore trust between parties.
MEPs also welcomed the rejection of Georgian Dream’s credentials in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which led to the withdrawal of Georgia’s delegation. The resolution condemns the ruling party’s ongoing attempts to persecute opposition politicians and calls for an end to politically motivated actions.
**Saakashvili’s Release and Access Demanded**
The European Parliament once again demanded the immediate release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili on humanitarian grounds, so he can receive necessary medical treatment abroad. The resolution stresses that the Georgian authorities bear full responsibility for his health and well-being.
MEPs also called on the Georgian Dream authorities to grant unrestricted access to Saakashvili for Members of the European Parliament.
**EU Policy of Non-Recognition Continues**
The European Parliament reaffirmed its policy of non-recognition of the one-party parliament and president appointed by it, until there is tangible change in Georgia’s political direction. The resolution calls on EU representatives to refrain from meeting with officials from the current regime.
The document concludes by recognizing Salome Zurabishvili as the legitimate president of Georgia and representative of the Georgian people, and welcoming her efforts to peacefully return the country to a democratic and European development path.
