“We stand with the peaceful protesters in Georgia who refuse to be silenced. Their courage shows that democracy is stronger than the fear the government spreads. Repression, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation such as the investigations into the Movement for Social Democracy and Freedom Square are unacceptable. We express our full solidarity with these organisations. The European Union sent a very clear message earlier this month, it made it easier to suspend visa-free travel to the EU. And Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli was awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by the European Parliament, together with Andrzej Poczobut from Belarus, recognizing their fight for democracy and freedom of expression”, said Vula Tsetsi, co-chair of the European Green Party.

“With the Georgian Dream party in government, democracy is dying in Georgia. It is the responsibility of the Georgian Dream party that an OSCE observation mission could not be organised for the recent municipal elections. They are responsible for failing to create  conditions for free and fair elections. The European Union must react with targeted sanctions and the suspension of visas for Georgian Dream officials and Georgian state representatives responsible for the repression in Georgia since last year's election”, added European Green Party co-chair Ciarán Cuffe.

“Since stealing the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024, in which Georgian Dream was defeated, it has continued to crack down on civil society, independent media, journalists, and opposition political parties with full force - to no avail. Contrary to the expectations of Georgian Dream, the democratic resistance of brave Georgian citizens only solidifies in the face of mounting pressure. For over 330 days of uninterrupted protest, Georgian citizens have shown their resilience and genuine commitment to democracy. Freedom Square will continue to sustain, diversify, and empower the democratic struggle in the country, despite all the pressure applied on us. This is our freedom, and we are not giving it away”, underlined Levan Tsutskiridze, chairperson of Freedom Square.

“Under the banner of ‘national sovereignty,’ Georgian Dream conjures phantom enemies, legalizes fear, and asks us to call injustice ‘peace.’ With a repressive apparatus, it smothers public dissent - from outrage at inequality to the wrecking of our shared environment. The Georgian people’s steadfast fight for democracy and a European future is part of a global progressive struggle and deserves recognition and support. Our strongest answer to authoritarianism and oligarchy is one word: solidarity”, remarked Sopho Verdzeuli, co-founder of the Movement for Social Democracy.

Earlier this month, the European Parliament passed an amendment to the EU's visa suspension mechanism, making it easier to suspend visa-free travel to the EU.

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