EP condemns detention of Georgian opposition leader Khoshtaria, calls for sanctions

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution condemning the detention of Georgian opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria and raising concerns over what it described as political prisoners under the rule of Georgian Dream.

The resolution, titled The case of Elene Khoshtaria and political prisoners under the Georgian Dream regime, was approved by 438 votes to 37.

In the document, the European Parliament said it “strongly condemns the politically motivated detention of Elene Khoshtaria and all other individuals,” as well as what it described as the systematic criminal prosecution of political opponents, journalists and activists.

MEPs also called for an independent and transparent investigation into allegations of ill-treatment of detainees and the alleged misuse of national legislation.

The resolution further criticised what it described as the continued adoption of restrictive legislation limiting fundamental freedoms, political activity, civil protest and dissent. 

It urged the Georgian authorities to repeal such laws, stop using pre-trial detention for political repression and ensure judicial independence and fair trial standards.

The European Parliament also called on the European Union and its member states to impose targeted sanctions, including EU visa bans, on individuals it said were responsible for politically motivated arrests, persecution and violence against members of the democratic opposition, protesters, dissidents and journalists.