Yesterday, at the initiative of the Netherlands, 38 OSCE member states activated the Vienna Mechanism, urging the Georgian authorities to respond to the questions raised by the international community. This was stated by the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Caspar Veldkamp, in a post on social media.

"Yesterday, at the initiative of the Netherlands, 38 OSCE participating States invoked the Vienna Mechanism to express deep concerns about the violence against and repression of protesters, journalists, and politicians in Georgia. In line with OSCE commitments, we urge the Georgian authorities to address the questions posed by the international community in invoking the mechanism," wrote the Dutch Foreign Minister on social network X.

For reference, the Vienna Mechanism was activated by the following OSCE member states: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Ukraine.

In a letter addressed to Georgia's OSCE representative, Aleksandre Maisuradze, 38 countries expressed deep concern regarding developments in Georgia since November 28.

"We express serious concern regarding reports of human rights violations committed by law enforcement officials, as well as the use of violence by unidentified groups against peaceful demonstrators, journalists, and bystanders, which went unaddressed by law enforcement. Unfortunately, this is not the first instance of failure to hold perpetrators accountable. Repeated and excessive instances of violence, including by law enforcement, raise serious concerns. In recent years, the Georgian authorities have failed to take adequate measures to ensure justice for victims and to thoroughly investigate and address such incidents. This persistent trend highlights the need for stronger mechanisms to prevent impunity and ensure justice," the letter states.

The signatory states also noted that due to Georgia's inadequate response to international calls to respect the rights to peaceful assembly, association, and expression, as well as to release those unlawfully detained, they are invoking the Vienna (Human Dimension) Mechanism.

The 38 OSCE states request specific responses to the following questions:

1. What steps have the Georgian authorities taken to investigate allegations of violations of the right to peaceful assembly, unlawful detentions, and arrests, including those of individuals not participating in protests, and the actions of police officers operating without identification?
2. What measures have been implemented to investigate all allegations of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment?
3. What actions have been taken to investigate allegations of violence by unidentified groups against peaceful demonstrators, journalists, media workers, and bystanders, as well as allegations of intentional inaction by law enforcement in response to these incidents?
4. What steps have been taken to ensure that civil society, journalists, and media representatives can document ongoing protests in Georgia without risks to their personal health and safety?
5. What engagement has occurred with OSCE institutions, specifically ODIHR, to address concerns raised by these institutions and to facilitate adherence to OSCE commitments?
6. What actions have been taken to prevent recurrence of human rights violations by law enforcement and unidentified groups, and to ensure accountability for perpetrators?
7. What measures have been implemented to guarantee that freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association are exercised in Georgia without repression, including by marginalized or otherwise vulnerable populations?
8. What steps have been taken to ensure that opposition parties and politicians can continue their political activities without threats or violence, and to promote political pluralism and democratic principles?

OSCE member states expect written responses to these questions within the next 10 days.