UK Minister of State: 'We remain concerned about democratic backsliding in Georgia'

Baroness Chapman on Georgia

The United Kingdom remains concerned about the democratic backsliding in Georgia, including restrictions on freedom of expression and police measures against protesters.

This was the response given by the UK Minister of State for Development, Baroness Jennifer Chapman, to a question from a member of the House of Lords about what is being done to protect the rule of law and freedom of expression in Georgia.

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According to Baroness Chapman, on 16 and 21 October the UK Minister for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, met representatives of Georgia’s Foreign Ministry and discussed issues relating to freedom of expression and police control over protests.

The Baroness also added that the United Kingdom supports the efforts of the OSCE and the Council of Europe to increase pressure on Georgia to ensure compliance with democratic standards.

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Jennifer Chapman: “We remain severely concerned by democratic backsliding in Georgia, including restrictions on free speech and policing of protests.

The Minister of State for Europe and North America raised these issues directly with Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Botchorishvili on 16 October and with Georgian Dream 1st Deputy Foreign Minister Zurabashvili on 21 October, and the UK is also supporting efforts in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and Council of Europe to press Georgia to adhere to democratic norms.

Baroness Chapman made the remarks in response to a question from Lord Murray, who had asked the British government what discussions had taken place with the Ivanishvili-led authorities “regarding Georgia’s obligations as a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights, in terms of freedom of expression, the rule of law and police control over protests.”

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