US Senator Shaheen: Georgian Gov’t took ‘unprecedented steps’ to silence citizens, aligning with Moscow’s interests

US Senator Jeanne Shaheen said on Saturday that Ukraine is not the only place where Russia uses coercive methods to pursue its political goals, warning that the Georgian Government has taken “unprecedented steps” over the past year to silence its own citizens - actions she said fully align with Moscow’s interests.

“Ukraine is not the only place where the Kremlin uses coercive tactics to control its neighbours and dictate their political course. Over the past year, the Georgian Government has taken unprecedented steps to weaken democratic institutions and silence its citizens.

“It adopted repressive laws, abandoned the constitutional commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration, increased pressure on civil society and detained members of the political opposition. These actions fully serve Moscow’s interests,” Shaheen said.

She also highlighted the role of Georgian civil society leaders, including Nino Dolidze, a recipient of the National Democratic Institute’s Democracy Award, noting that they continue to defend fundamental rights at significant personal risk.

The Senator added their struggle is part of a broader global effort to protect democracy and human rights.