US Helsinki Commission: GD using courts to ‘silence anyone who challenges their hold on power’

The US Helsinki Commission on Thursday said the ruling Georgian Dream party is “using the courts as a weapon to silence anyone who challenges their hold on power”.

The remarks came in response to the sentencing of opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria, who was given a prison term for damaging property after writing on a campaign banner of Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze.

The statement also warned that Khoshtaria and other opposition figures could face even harsher penalties of between seven and fifteen years in prison on charges related to alleged crimes against the state.