On case of Elene Khoshtaria and political prisoners under the Georgian Dream Regime

B100164/2026

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

(2026/2643(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas draconian legislations, including the so-called Foreign Agents Registration Act, law on transparency of foreign influence, the amendments to the Law on Grants – adopted, law on political association, Criminal code on 4 March -, reflects a deliberate authoritarian strategy aimed at silencing dissent and mirroring Russian-style governance;

whereas the authorities responded to protests with excessive force, including the use of chemical gas, arbitrary detentions and expanded criminal and administrative charges, effectively aimed at suppressing political dissent;

whereas over 400 individuals were detained, fined or prosecuted since the protests began, including opposition leaders, journalists and activists, many of whom are in pre-trial detention; whereas dozens of individuals are imprisoned due to their participation to the protests;

whereas Elene Khoshtaria, Chair of pro-European party Droa and leading figure of Coalition for Change, was detained in September 2025 after writing “Russian Dream” on an election banner of the ruling-party;

whereas despite the minor nature of this act, authorities pursed criminal proceedings and added serious national-security charges carrying up to 15 years imprisonment, without presenting credible evidence;

whereas reports indicate that Ms Khoshtaria was subjected to degrading treatment during detention and that her health condition requires specialised medical care;

whereas another prisoner of conscience, Mzia Amaglobeli, was awarded the 2025 Sakharov prize;

whereas The State Security Service of Georgia has launched an investigation and summoned several individuals - including Tinatin Khidasheli and Giorgi Kandelaki - for questioning over comments and publications regarding Iran’s growing influence and activities in Georgia;

Strongly condemns the systematic persecution of political opponents, journalists and activists by the Georgian Dream authorities;

Demands the immediate and unconditional release of Elene Khoshtaria and all other individuals detained for politically motivated reasons or for the peaceful exercise of their fundamental rights; calls for the immediate withdrawal of politically motivated charges against them;

Reiterates its calls for the immediate repeal of all repressive legislation, the restoration of democratic norms, and the full protection of media freedom and civil liberties;

Condemns the degrading and inhuman treatment reportedly inflected on Ms Khoshtaria during detention;

Denounces the instrumentalisation of the judiciary and law-enforcement authorities as tools of political repression and stresses that such practices are incompatible with democratic governance and the rule of law;

Stresses that the existence of political prisoners is incompatible with Georgia’s European aspirations and its obligations under the EU–Georgia Association Agreement;

Reaffirms its unwavering support for the Georgian people and their commitment to a democratic European future;

Calls on EU Member States to impose targeted sanctions against the Georgian Dream regime and its enablers, including those responsible for politically-motivated arrest, prosecutions, and violence against democratic opposition, dissidents, protesters and journalists;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, Member States and President, Government and Parliament of Georgia.