The UK Foreign Secretary and other European partners have called on the Georgian authorities to release unjustly detained politicians, journalists and activists, repeal repressive legislation and engage in a national dialogue with all relevant parties to find a way out of the current situation, the British Ambassador to Georgia, Gareth Ward, says in a video message.

He said the UK government sees the detention of journalists and the growing repression of critics as evidence of the collapse of democracy in Georgia.

“The UK is proud to be a member of the Media Freedom Coalition, which defends the rights of independent journalists globally. Many members of the Coalition are particularly concerned about the deterioration of media freedom in Georgia, including the politically motivated trial of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli for criticising the government.

The UK government, like many European partners, sees the detention of journalists, arbitrary imprisonment and the increasing repression of other critics as evidence of the breakdown of democracy in Georgia, which is contrary to European norms and values. The UK Foreign Secretary and other European partners have therefore called on the Georgian authorities to release unjustly detained politicians, journalists and activists, repeal repressive legislation and engage in a national dialogue with all relevant parties to find a way out of the current situation,” said Gareth Ward.