Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania group for inter-parliamentary relations with Georgia Statement on the political situation in Georgia

SEIMAS OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA

Group for Inter-Parliamentary Relations with Georgia

STATEMENT

ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN GEORGIA

24 May 2022

Vilnius

Members of the Group for Inter-Parliamentary Relations with Georgia at the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania

express their deep concern at the deteriorating human rights situation and increasing restrictions on media freedom in Georgia;

deplore the politically motivated conviction of Nika Gvaramia, Director General of the opposition television channel Mtavri, and Kakhaber Damenia, former Financial Director of the Rustavi 2 television channel, and bring to the attention the fact that the court judgement raises serious doubts about Georgia’s commitments to democratic values, media freedom, the supremacy of law and the rule of law;

note that the Government of Georgia is responsible for ensuring the right to peaceful assembly and for preventing discrimination and violence; 

call on all political forces in Georgia to ensure media freedom and diversity, as well as transparency and independence of law enforcement and the judiciary.

Raimundas Lopata                                                                                                                                                                    Head of the Group