During the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, a debate was held as part of the series “Debates on Cases of Violations of Human Rights, Democratic Principles, and the Rule of Law,” focusing on the case of Elena Khoshtaia and the political prisoners of the Georgian regime. Małgorzata Gosiewska, a Member of the European Parliament from the Law and Justice party, took the floor during the discussion and drew attention to the deteriorating democratic situation in the country and the increasing scale of repression against the opposition and civil society.
“A country that was recently a symbol of reform is sinking into corruption, repression, and political violence. Approximately 150 people are being held in prisons for political reasons,” said the MEP.
As she emphasized, those subjected to repression include opposition leaders, journalists, social activists, students, and ordinary citizens punished for their views and participation in peaceful protests.
Gosiewska also highlighted the situation of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who, she noted, has been in prison for five years now.
“A reference to this fact was not even included in the draft resolution negotiated yesterday. It is regrettable that even in the European Parliament, political games are being played instead of actually fighting lawlessness,” she noted.
The MEP expressed hope that the amendment she submitted to the draft resolution, addressing this issue, would receive the support of a majority of MEPs.
Małgorzata Gosiewska also drew attention to the growing scale of anti-Western propaganda in Georgia.
“The regime is consolidating its power through anti-Western propaganda and disinformation inspired by Russian models,” she emphasized.
According to the MEP, the European Union should respond decisively to the dismantling of democracy in Georgia, including by imposing sanctions on those responsible for violating civil rights.
“We must call on the authorities in Tbilisi to immediately release all political prisoners, repeal repressive laws, and create the conditions for truly free and fair elections,” she said.
In conclusion, Gosiewska emphasized that Georgian society deserves a democratic and European future.
“The Georgian people deserve a bright future, and the European Union must help them achieve it,” she concluded.
