On Case of Elene Khoshtaria and Political Prisoners under the Georgian Dream Regime

B100161/2026

European Parliament resolution on Case of Elene Khoshtaria and Political Prisoners under the Georgian Dream Regime

(2026/2643(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

– having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas Elene Khoshtaria is the leader of the opposition Droa party and was detained on 15 September after she wrote protest messages on Georgian Dream campaign banners; whereas Khoshtaria was charged for sabotage, providing material resources for sabotage, and aiding a foreign country in hostile activities, with each charge carrying a sentence ranging from 2 to 15 years in prison;

whereas Khoshtaria’s case is part of a broader crackdown against political opposition, as eight prominent politicians are currently behind bars on politically motivated charges, either awaiting trial or already serving prison sentences;

whereas Georgian Dream is tightening its grip on society through wide-spread repression and is pushing legislative changes through its de facto single party parliament, clearly aiming to achieve a one-party system; whereas only a few EU Member States have imposed targeted sanctions on those responsible for this hijacking of Georgia’s democracy;

Condemns the illegal arrest and politically motivated prosecution of Elene Khoshtaria and calls for her immediate and unconditional release; urges the Georgian authorities to halt its harassment of peaceful protesters and release all political prisoners and others illegally detained, including Sakharov prize laureate Mzia Amoghlobeli, without delay;

Condemns credible reports of excessive use of force, torture and ill-treatment of protesters and detainees, including reports on the use of toxic chemical; calls on the Georgian authorities to ensure prompt, independent and effective investigations, and prosecute all those responsible;

Urges the Georgian authorities to withdraw legal amendments that will criminalise the questioning of the government’s legitimacy and rob individuals with professional experience in civil society from their political rights; deplores the constitutional lawsuit filed by members of the Georgian Parliament requesting that the activities of three major opposition parties be declared unconstitutional and that their registration be revoked;

Regrets the persistent lack of action on behalf of the EU and most Member States to ensure tangible consequences for Georgian Dream’s attacks on Georgia’s democracy; urges the Council to finally overcome the blockade by Hungary and Slovakia of EU-wide targeted sanctions against Ivanishvili and the broader Georgian Dream leadership; calls on all Member States to, until then, impose bilateral sanctions without delay;

Takes note of President von der Leyen’s letter last month where she hinted at a possible suspension of the visa free regime for the entire Georgian population; expresses discontent that this measure would negatively impact all Georgians, including those who may need to flee persecution; insists that this measure should only be taken as a last resort;

Expresses concern about the extent to which the EU’s plans within the Black Sea Strategy will entail a normalisation of relations with the Georgian authorities;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the VP/HR, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and to the Georgian authorities.