Rights advocate warns of growing repression in Georgia as CoE envoy visits

A Georgian human rights advocate has warned of worsening conditions in the country, citing rising repression and a climate of impunity that he said is being noted by international organisations.

Speaking on Tuesday, former public advocate Ucha Nanuashvili, now the head of the Democracy Research Centre, said the situation in Georgia has “significantly deteriorated,” with increasing pressure on civil society and independent groups.

He argued that “virtually no group” remains unaffected, claiming that organisations across the spectrum are facing various forms of pressure.

Nanuashvili also said that “ongoing impunity” was not going unnoticed internationally, adding that global bodies were reflecting developments in Georgia in their assessments and reporting.

His remarks come as Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, is visiting Georgia and holding meetings with officials and stakeholders.