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

2 May 2024

Vilnius

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

expresses its deep concern over the draft Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence (hereinafter referred to as the Law) passed in the second reading by the Parliament of Georgia and notes that this draft Law aimed at restricting the activities of foreign-funded non-governmental organisations is essentially a copy of the Law of the Russian Federation on Foreign Agents;

considers that this Law would impose restrictions on civil society and limit the ability of independent media to operate;

stresses that the purpose of this Law is to silence critical voices and destroy Georgia’s viable civil society; 

considers that the statements and activities of Georgia’s political leaders against the West are incompatible with democratic values and pose a considerable risk to the country’s further European integration and to the establishment of a democratic society;

stresses that Lithuania has always supported Georgia’s aspirations for freedom, democracy and European integration and expresses its concern that the recent events in Georgia may substantially affect Lithuania’s good relations with the Georgian authorities;

condemns the use of violence against peaceful protesters, including journalists reporting on rallies, recalls that the use of force to suppress peaceful assembly and freedom of speech is unacceptable and supports the people of Georgia in their efforts to be heard and demonstrate their civil stance; 

calls on the authorities of Georgia to allow peaceful protesters to exercise their right to freedom of speech and expression.

Head of the Group