Opposition leaders criticize CoE chief’s visit for ‘overlooking’ human rights issues

Elene Khoshtaria and Zurab Girchi Japaridze, leaders of Georgia’s Coalition for Change, have criticized Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset’s visit for failing to address key human rights concerns amid ongoing protests against the government. Both leaders declined to meet with Berset, accusing him of neglecting critical issues such as “political prisoners” and “direct engagement with demonstrators”.

Khoshtaria condemned the visit, claiming it served as a “propaganda tool” for the Georgian government following what she called “rigged” October elections. She further criticized Berset for “not visiting political prisoners or entering prisons at this critical moment.”

Japaridze echoed her concerns, stating that Berset should have prioritized meeting “devastated people” and engaging directly with protesters on Rustaveli Avenue. “An official whose competence is human rights should not ignore these issues,” he added.

During his visit, Berset met with representatives from three opposition groups—Unity – National Movement, Gakharia for Georgia, and Strong Georgia—describing the discussions as “frank and productive.” He also held meetings with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, the ruling party’s Honorary Chair Bidzina Ivanishvili, Public Defender Levan Ioseliani, members of the domestic civil sector, and international community representatives.