International Organization for Security and Co-operation (OSCE) and Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) advocate for Georgia to welcome an election mission, due to persistent worries over the country's electoral process.

International Organization for Security and Co-operation (OSCE) and Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) advocate for Georgia to welcome an election mission, due to persistent worries over the country's electoral process.

In a recent statement, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has voiced deep concern over mounting pressure on civil society and political opponents in Georgia. This situation, which involves troubling developments, has been highlighted by ODIHR as a worrying authoritarian drift.

One of the key concerns is the crackdown on civil society. The OSCE participating states have agreed that the rule of law must be grounded in respect for internationally recognized human rights. However, ODIHR has pointed to restrictive legislation in Georgia that limits civil society’s legitimate operations, including laws that hinder their work and freedom of association.

The situation has escalated with the detention and prosecution of opposition politicians and protesters. In recent months, there have been arrests and convictions of opposition leaders and dozens of protesters. Reports of unfair trial practices have been cited in relation to these detentions. The authorities have also jailed opposition leaders, raising concerns about respect for fair trial standards.

Human rights defenders and civil society actors are facing growing pressure in Georgia. Increased pressure is reported against these individuals while carrying out their legitimate activities.

ODIHR Director Maria Telalian emphasized the importance of civil and political rights, which are fundamental to democracy and the rule of law. She called on Georgian authorities to withdraw laws that restrict civil society and to respect democratic freedoms.

The Georgian Dream government's decision not to invite ODIHR to observe the upcoming local elections has also been met with regret by the organization. This decision breaks Georgia’s two-decade-long practice of welcoming election monitoring by ODIHR. ODIHR Director Maria Telalian stated, "We are following current developments in Georgia with deep concern, especially in light of recent arrests and convictions of opposition politicians."

The organization sees this decision as a missed opportunity for independent international oversight amid these concerns. ODIHR remains committed to supporting Georgia in meeting its OSCE commitments and has reaffirmed its readiness to deploy an observation mission if the authorities issue a timely invitation.

These issues align with wider alarm from civil society groups and election monitoring networks about the closure of civic space and authoritarian tendencies in Georgia. They are calling on European and international actors to take notice and act accordingly.

In summary, the recent developments in Georgia reflect a concerning authoritarian drift, with ODIHR highlighting the need for respect for civil rights, transparent legal processes, and international electoral observation to safeguard democratic standards.

1. The concern over the authoritarian drift in Georgia extends beyond ODIHR, as civil society groups and election monitoring networks also express alarm about the closure of civic space.
2. Amid these concerns, the decision by the Georgian Dream government not to invite ODIHR to observe the upcoming local elections is seen as a missed opportunity for independent international oversight.
3. In addition to the mounting pressure on civil society, personal growth and self-development may be hindered as human rights defenders and civil society actors face increasing pressure while carrying out their legitimate activities.
4. To address these issues, ODIHR Director Maria Telalian calls on Georgian authorities to withdraw restrictive legislation that limits civil society, respect democratic freedoms, and invite ODIHR to observe the upcoming local elections for international election monitoring.

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