EU Parliament Adopts Resolution on ‘Political Prisoners’ in Georgia, Calls for Targeted Sanctions

2026-03-12 - 12:26

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Georgia on March 12, with 438 votes in favor, 37 against, and 81 abstentions, condemning “politically motivated” arrests in Georgia, demanding the release of detainees, and calling for targeted sanctions for those responsible for “politically motivated arrests, prosecutions and violence against the democratic opposition, dissidents, protesters and journalists.” Titled “The Case of Elene Khoshtaria and Political Prisoners under the Georgian Dream Regime,” the resolution focuses on Elene Khoshtaria, jailed leader of the opposition Droa party, demanding her release and “others detained for politically motivated reasons or for the peaceful exercise of their fundamental rights.” It also calls to repeal laws “curtailing fundamental freedoms and suppressing political activity, civic protests and dissent.” The vote was preceded by a debate on March 11 during which several MEPs sharply criticized the Georgian Dream authorities for the country’s democratic backsliding, and what they described as the political prosecution of critics, including Khoshtaria and imprisoned journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli. Part of MEPs, however, defended Georgian Dream authorities and called for engagement with Tbilisi. The Resolution The adopted joint resolution states that Georgian authorities “have escalated their repression of political opposition and civil society, particularly since the October 2024 parliamentary elections.” Referring to “draconian legislation,” including FARA, the foreign agents law, amendments to the law on grants, the law on political associations, and changes to the criminal code, the resolution argues the measures reflect “a deliberate authoritarian strategy to silence dissent, mirroring Russian-style repression.” The resolution also cites that since the mass protest erupted in Georgia, “hundreds have been detained, fined or prosecuted,” including politicians, journalists and activists, many of whom remain in pre-trial detention, and “dozens have been imprisoned following participation in the protests.” The text further refers to the case of the opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria, who was arrested on September 15 on charges of “property damage” after scribbling on a campaign poster of Kakha Kaladze, Tbilisi mayor. The resolution characterizes the criminal proceedings against her as based on “trumped-up charges” without “credible evidence,” citing reports that “Khoshtaria has been subjected to degrading treatment in detention and that her health condition requires specialised medical care.” 17/09/2025 – Court Sets Bail for Elene Khoshtaria, But She Refuses to Pay The EP says it “strongly condemns” what it describes as the “politically motivated detention” of Khoshtaria and “all others targeted for exercising their freedom of expression and assembly or peaceful dissent,” as well as the “systematic persecution” of political opponents, journalists, and activists by what it calls the “Georgian Dream regime.” The resolution also condemns “the degrading and inhuman treatment reportedly inflicted on Khoshtaria during detention,” demanding her “immediate and unconditional release,” as well as the release of others detained for “politically motivated reasons” or for the peaceful exercise of their fundamental rights, calling for the “immediate withdrawal of politically motivated charges against them.” In addition, the European Parliament calls for an independent and transparent investigation into “allegations of ill-treatment in custody and the abuse of national security legislation,” as well as reports “regarding the use of chemical weapons against protestors.” The resolution further “strongly condemns” the continued adoption of restrictive legislation and urges Georgian authorities to repeal such laws and “cease using pre-trial detention for political repression, and ensure judicial independence and due process.” It also outlines that the existence of “political prisoners” is incompatible with Georgia’s obligations under the EU-Georgia Association Agreement. At the same time, the resolution reaffirms the European Parliament’s “unwavering support” for the Georgian people and their commitment to a democratic European future. It “encourages” the European Commission and EU member states to “support and provide protection to Georgian activists, journalists and opposition figures at risk.” It further calls for the EU and its member states to impose “targeted sanctions,” as well as an “EU-wide visa ban, on representatives of the regime and its enablers responsible for politically motivated arrests, prosecutions, and violence against the democratic opposition, dissidents, protestors and journalists.” Adopted Amendments The resolution included several proposed amendments, some of which were adopted. First amendment, tabled by the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR), expressed “deep concern over the continued detention and deteriorating health condition” of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, stating that he has “for more than four years effectively been held as a political hostage of the oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili.” Another adopted amendment expresses “serious concern” over what it describes as the expanding “political, economic and security footprint” of Russia, China, and Iran in Georgia, as confirmed in numerous reports.” It “expresses outrage” that investigations have been launched against the authors of such reports, including Giorgi Kandelaki, a research author at the Hudson Institute, and Tina Khidasheli, former defense minister and head of the Civic Idea think tank. The amendment criticizes the authorities for targeting the authors “instead of addressing their alarming findings about the clear and systematic expansion of the influence of authoritarian powers in the country,” and calls on the Georgian authorities to “restore freedom of expression, academic freedom and independent research.” Three other amendments proposed by the Europe of Sovereign Nations Group (ESN) were not adopted. One cited the 2025 Chandler Good Government Index, which ranked Georgia 26th globally in judicial system, transparency, rule of law, and regulatory governance. Another sought to reaffirm support for the Georgian people and “their elected representatives in their pursuit of a sovereign, prosperous and democratic European future without external interference.” A third argued that sanctions against Georgian officials would constitute “unjustified foreign interference” and called for “constructive dialogue” instead. Preceding Debate While the majority of European lawmakers who addressed the plenary condemned Georgia’s anti-democratic turn and called for a more active EU response, including sanctions, some MEPs defended the Georgian Dream government and called for engagement with Tbilisi. Below are key highlights from the remarks made by the European lawmakers during the debate: Rasa Juknevičienė, MEP from Group of the European People’s Party: “There are those who say that Georgia is lost. It is not true. Yes, today the Georgian people are experiencing one of the most difficult periods in their recent history. However, Georgia is certainly not lost,” MEP Juknevičienė told the lawmakers, quoting a letter from Elene Khoshtaria, leader of the opposition Droa party, who has been jailed since September 2025 for “property damage” over scribbling on Georgian Dream’s campaign poster. In the letter, Khoshtaria thanked the MEPs, saying that she is “ready to be in prison as long as it takes” and “the most important thing is to mobilize enough attention on the strategic challenges that Europe is facing in Georgia.” MEP Juknevičienė added: “Georgia and Georgians, you are not lost for us, for the European Union.” Nacho Sánchez Amor, MEP from Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats: MEP Nacho Sánchez Amor started his address by referring to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s March 11 remarks in the European Parliament, in which Pashinyan said “frozen” political dialogue between the European Union and Georgia is the “biggest problem” to Armenia’s path toward EU integration. “They [Georgia] have abandoned the European perspective, which has left a trail of negative consequences within and outside the country,” the MEP said, noting the persecution of “a long list of journalists, politicians, and other members of civil society,” and “a great number of people representing democratic groups have been thrown into prison for speaking out for democracy.” The MEP said: “We must act. It is a shame for the Union that we only discuss sanctions against Georgia because of [its] help to Russia, and not because of the incarceration of democrats.” Małgorzata Gosiewska, MEP from European Conservatives and Reformists Group: MEP Małgorzata Gosiewska said that Georgia, which “has been a symbol of reforms until very recently, is now drowning in corruption, repressions, political violence.” She noted that “150 people are in prison for political reasons,” and focused on the case of jailed ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili. According to the MEP, Saakashvili’s case is not mentioned in the joint draft resolution, noting “there is no time for political games” and saying that she submitted an amendment in this regard. The MEP added: “The regime works through anti-West propaganda, disinformation, just like Russia. So the EU should not only cover with its sanctions propaganda-style media, but also people responsible for the destruction of democracy in Georgia.” The MEP concluded: “This nation deserves a good and sound future, and the EU is obliged to help it.” Natalia Loiseau, MEP from Renew Europe Group: MEP Natalia Loiseau in her address, criticized the European institutions which, she pointed out, fail to respond to the developments in Georgia. “In our Parliament, we call for strong measures from the European Union, but what do we see in the [European] Council? No will to apply significant sanctions or isolate the Tbilisi authorities. And the Commission, well, they seem to have drawn a line under Georgia, which is supposed to be a candidate for the European Union.” The MEP said: “It’s worth spending time investing in Georgia, but how can we do that if the Commission and Council are not doing a thing for democracy there? “ Markéta Gregorová, MEP from Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance: MEP Markéta Gregorová focused on the arrest of Khoshtaria, who, she said, is “one of many others who are part of politically motivated processes in intensifying repression of any protesters, civil society, and media.” She also noted “a complete erosion of democracy and the consolidation of anti-democratic forces,” as well as the new restrictive law “banning even basic activism and organized civil society.” The MEP called for a more resolute action: “The EU must finally respond with targeted sanctions against those responsible. And I don’t care if two member states block that in the Council. What about the 25 other member states? Can’t they apply the sanctions? What’s preventing them?” Jonas Sjöstedt, MEP from the Left group: MEP Jonas Sjöstedt also called for more pressure “against the Georgian regime” as well as “targeted sanctions against their leaders.” The MEP said, “Darkness is descending on Georgia. The ruling party, the Georgian Dream, has become a nightmare for all Georgian citizens who believe in freedom and democracy. And the darkness over Georgia is a long shadow cast by Moscow.” He noted the arrest of Khoshtaria, “one of many,” thrown in jail, as well as fines and bans against protesters. “But every evening, hundreds, often thousands of Georgians gather in front of the parliament to demonstrate for freedom and for democracy. Our task is to stand by them.” Tomasz Froelich, MEP from the Europe of Sovereign Nations Group: MEP Tomasz Froelich defended policies of Tbilisi, which, he said, “embodies Christian values” and has a pragmatic approach in foreign policy. “They don’t want to turn into Kyiv. And it’s their right to be like this. They’re a sovereign state, and we need to respect that. But we’re trying to teach them lessons.” He noted: “We’re calling on protests against the government, doing this through NGOs. 3,000 NGOs for a population of 4 million, that is unheard of across the world.” He further mentioned Georgia’s economic growth and government index, where, he said, Georgia is “doing better than certain member states.” MEP Froelich added: “They don’t need to be taught any lessons. They don’t need regime change. They need respect for national sovereignty.” Lukas Mandl, MEP from Group of the European People’s Party: MEP Lukas Mandl recalled his first visit outside the EU after the 2019 election, which was in Georgia and coincided with “Gavrilov’s night” events. “... riots were on the streets, and the riots were on the streets because already at that time, 2019, a Russian representative had sat down in the chair’s seat of the Georgian parliament, and that’s what the people couldn’t accept.” According to the MEP, Georgians “do not want to be a Russian satellite state and we will help the people of Georgia. We are on the side of the people of Georgia.” Thierry Mariani, MEP from Patriots for Europe Group: MEP Thierry Mariani slammed those criticizing the ruling Georgian Dream party, calling it “clear manipulation, because you cannot discredit a political movement that was supported by more than 50% of the population in 2024.” He said that in case of Khoshtaria, “Georgian judges should not be receiving instructions from Brussels,” and since 1994, “you’ve been doing your utmost to undermine the legitimately elected government.” The MEP called to “stop this interference, pressure, and blackmail in this democratic country.” Dainius Žalimas, MEP from Renew Europe Group: Noting continued “repression against civil society, MEP Dainius Žalimas said,” there can be no normalization of relations between the European Union, its member states, and the current Georgian regime until all the political prisoners are released and free and fair elections are held.” He noted: “Georgia has become a hub for circumventing sanctions against Russia, from the reexport of goods needed for the war to disguising the origins of the oil products. Therefore, the EU must strictly sanction both the companies operating in Georgia that support Russia’s war machine and the regime officials who continue to terrorize civil society.” Miriam Lexmann, MEP from Group of the European People’s Party According to MEP Miriam Lexmann, Georgian people “believe in free, democratic Georgia anchored in European values,” but “one-party rule of Georgian Dream, using Putin’s playbook, is steering the country in the opposite direction.” She called “for the immediate release of all political prisoners,” reiterating “the need to impose targeted sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili for his destructive role on politics, society, economy, and all Georgians.” Sebastian Tynkkynen, MEP from European Conservatives and Reformists Group MEP Sebastian Tynkkynen called to talk about Georgia that “is suffering from government oppression and growing Russian influence.” He noted: “We’re talking about a nation that, under the Soviet Union, maintained a strong Georgian identity. Georgia was among the first nations to break free from the Soviet Union. What is happening today feels all too familiar,” adding that “the country escaped this once” and “the people of Georgia must not be trapped in this prison again.” Cristian-Vasile Terheș, MEP from European Conservatives and Reformists Group: MEP Cristian-Vasile Terheș criticized the speeches of other MEPs, saying “I don’t think it’s happening at all.” He recalled the 2008 war, when “not only this plenary, but many other parliaments across the globe submitted and sent many resolutions, and nothing else,” and “it was the Georgian people who paid the price that the country decided to follow the western path.” He went on: “We criticized Georgia because the Georgian people elected a second government. We criticized Georgia because they decided one way or another.” While noting that it “might be true” that “people in Georgia right now are arrested,” he asked how those people can be helped “if we are not engaging with the government.” The MEP said: “I’m calling not to ban and not to stop the discussion with them, but re-engage with them in order to solve all the potential problems.” Wopke Hoekstra, EU Commissioner for Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth“ Speaking on behalf of EU HR/VP Kaja Kallas, Commissioner Hoekstra noted the deteriorating human rights situation, saying “Georgian authorities are steering the country deliberately towards autocracy and are eroding basic democratic principles and international human rights standards.” Addressing Georgian authorities, he said: “With such actions and such laws, Georgia clearly has no viable path to EU membership, not by 2030, as the authorities claim, and not at all if this course continues.” He further said that the EU “urges the Georgian authorities to uphold the basic principles of democracy, of which political pluralism is a key part,” adding that the EU “remains committed to holding accountable those responsible for the grave democratic backsliding and human rights violations in Georgia.” Also Read: 11/03/2026 – Pashinyan: ‘Frozen’ EU-Georgia Dialogue ‘Biggest Problem’ for Armenia’s European Path 30/01/2026 – Analysis | Checking Georgia’s Anti-EU Drift 18/12/2025 – European Parliament Debates Georgia’s ‘Deepening Democratic Crisis’