British Ambassador to the OSCE: "We urge Georgia to restore the independence of the judicial system"

Britain on human rights violations in Georgia

At the meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, British Ambassador Neil Holland called on the Georgian authorities to stop human rights violations, restore the independence of the judicial system, and release opposition members who have been unjustly detained.

Holland noted that human rights and fundamental freedoms are an integral part of regional security, and that all states are obliged to ensure their protection.

When discussing human rights violations in other countries, the ambassador mentioned only three countries: Russia, Belarus, and Georgia.

EU envoy: 'Ukraine and Moldova are ahead of Georgia, which is now further from EU than when it received candidate status'

“The European Commission asked Georgian Dream to clarify the issues raised in its previous negative report, but the answers it received were unsatisfactory.”

In English, that statement would be:

British Ambassador to the OSCE Neil Holland:

“The United Kingdom is a friend of Georgia. Our countries cooperate on a wide range of issues, and in the face of hybrid threats from Russia, we continue to firmly support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

We will consistently call on Russia to withdraw from the illegally occupied Georgian territories and reiterate our strong support for Georgia in the face of a range of hybrid challenges.

We will continue to support the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Georgian people. These aspirations are enshrined in the Constitution of Georgia. The protests in Tbilisi have shown that these aspirations have never been stronger. Therefore, it is deeply concerning that the Government of Georgia continues to implement the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence despite such strong public opposition.

The United Kingdom urges the Georgian authorities to ensure the independence of the judicial system, repeal laws restricting the activities of civil society, and release individuals involved in politically motivated cases.

The UK’s position is clear: a diverse civil society is a crucial component of a successful democracy. This law is not in line with the values of a NATO aspirant state.

We want to see Georgia successful, sovereign, and democratic, continuing its progress and reforms on the path of Euro-Atlantic integration. We and our partners have repeatedly stated that this law is completely at odds with that goal.”

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