American and European parliamentarians call on Portugal to prevent representatives of Georgian Dream from participating in OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

American and European parliamentarians are calling on Portugal to prevent representatives of the Georgian Dream from participating in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

The corresponding letter was distributed by the US Helsinki Commission.

American and European parliamentarians are addressing the Prime Minister of Portugal, Luis Montenegro, with a joint letter.

The letter states that the Georgian Dream government is systematically undermining democracy in Georgia, engaging in widespread electoral fraud, violently suppressing peaceful protests, and arresting journalists and civil society activists who dare to challenge its authoritarian rule.

“I write to you with deep appreciation for Portugal’s commitment to democracy, human nights, and the rule of law. As the host of the 32nd Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, set to take place from June 29 to July 3, 2025, in Porto, Portugal has once again demonstrated its dedication to fostering democratic dialogue and cooperation among nations. I commend your government for its leadership in upholding these fundamental values.

In light of these principles, I urge your government to deny visas to, or otherwise prevent the participation of, members of the Georgian Dream government seeking to attend this crucial gathering. The Georgian Dream government has systematically undermined democracy in Georgia, engaging in widespread electoral fraud, violently suppressing peaceful protests, and jailing journalists and civic activists who dare to challenge its autocratic rule. Their actions are in direct contradiction to the democratic values that Portugal and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly seek to promote and defend.

Granting members of the Georgian Dream government the privilege of attending this prestigious session would legitimize their repressive governance and provide them with a platform they do not deserve. Their participation would undermine the very principles the OSCE stands for and send the wrong message to those fighting for democracy in Georgia and beyond. Portugal, as a steadfast defender of democratic ideals, should take a firm stand against authoritarianism by barring their entry.

Thank you for your leadership and dedication to protecting democracy on the international stage. I appreciate your attention to this important matter and look forward to Portugal’s continued efforts in promoting democratic governance worldwide”, reads the letter.

The letter is signed by:

HEADS AND DEPUTY HEADS OF DELEGATION

Rep. Joe Wilson Deputy Head of Delegation United States of America

Mr. Pawel Zalewski Head of Delegation Poland

Ms. Sharon Hodgson Head of Delegation United Kingdom

Ms. Ingrida Circene Head of Delegation Latvia

Mr. Ruslanas Baranovas Head of Delegation

Lithuania

Mr. Mykyta Poturaiev Head of Delegation Ukraine

MEMBERS OF DELEGATION

Mr. Mark Pritchard Member of Delegation United Kingdom

Mr. Colum Eastwood Member of Delegation United Kingdon

Ms. Carina Ödebrink Member of Delegation Sweden

Mr. John Whittingdale Member of Delegation United Kingdom

Mr. Johan Büser Member of Delegation Sweden

Mr. Ulrik Nilsson Member of Delegation Sweden

Mr. Kadir Kasirga Member of Delegation Sweden

Ms. Linnea Wickman Member of Delegation

Sweden

Ms. Helena Storckenfeldt Member of Delegation Sweden

Mr. Pavlo Frolov Member of Delegation Ukraine

Ms. Nataliia Loktionova Member of Delegation Ukraine

Mr. Jurgis Klotins Member of Delegation Latvia

Mr. Steve Cohen

Member of Delegation

USA

Mr. Yaroslav Yurchyshyn Member of Delegation Ukraine

Mr. Laurynas Kasciunas Member of Delegation Lithuania

ALTERNATE MEMBERS OF DELEGATION

Mr. Joar Forsell

Alternate Member of Delegation Sweden

Ms. Viktoriia Podhorna Alternate Member of Delegation Ukraine

Ms. Hanna Lichman

Alternate Member of Delegation Ukraine

Ms. Nataliia Pipa

Alternate Member of Delegation Ukraine

Ms. Iryna Gerashchenko Alternate Member of Delegation Ukraine

Ms. Viktoriia Kinzburska Alternate Member of Delegation Ukraine

Mr. Sergii Alieksieiev

Alternate Member of Delegation Ukraine.