UK urges Georgian Gov’t to release detained journalists, politicians, citing democratic backsliding

The United Kingdom and other European partners have called on the Georgian government to release detained journalists, politicians, and activists, repeal repressive legislation, and engage in inclusive national dialogue, British Ambassador to Georgia, Gareth Ward, said on Monday.

Speaking on behalf of the UK government, Ward expressed concerns over what he described as a rapid deterioration of democratic standards and media freedom in Georgia.

“The UK is proud to be a member of the Media Freedom Coalition, which defends the rights of independent journalists globally,” Ward said. “Many members of the Coalition are particularly concerned about the deterioration of media freedom in Georgia, including the politically motivated trial of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli for criticising the government.”

Ward warned that the detention of government critics, including journalists and opposition figures, was being viewed by the UK and its European allies as a sign of democratic breakdown.

“The UK government, like many European partners, sees the detention of journalists, arbitrary imprisonment and the increasing repression of other critics as evidence of the breakdown of democracy in Georgia, which is contrary to European norms and values,” he said.

In response to the concerns, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy - along with officials from other European states - has urged the Georgian authorities to release those deemed unjustly detained, roll back restrictive laws, and engage in meaningful political dialogue with all stakeholders, he said.