The Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) at its meeting on 29 November 2024 expressed its concern about the situation in Georgia, where the government has announced the suspension of accession negotiations with the European Union, contrary to electoral promises.
According to the Committee, the decision may have a significant impact on the implementation of reforms that are essential for the strengthening of the rule of law and the functioning of democratic institutions in Georgia.
The Assembly strongly condemned the brutal repression of the peaceful demonstrations that took place in Tbilisi to protest against this decision, as a violation of the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly.
The Assembly also noted with concern that most of the demonstrators were arrested and charged under provisions of the controversial Soviet-era Code of Administrative Offences and recalls that it has requested on many occasions for this law to be replaced by a new law in line with European standards.
