We are deeply concerned by the continued and escalating anti-democratic activities in Georgia, including the detention of political opposition representatives and the targeted harassment of civil society, including those critical of the government's actions, - this is how the United States Department of State responds to the sentencing of Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder of Batumelebi, to a two-year imprisonment.

The US State Department said it was concerned that Georgia was selectively using recently adopted legislation “against actual or perceived critics of the Georgian government.”

“We are deeply concerned about the continued and escalating anti-democratic activities in Georgia, including the detention of political opposition figures and the targeted harassment of civil society, including those critical of the government’s actions.

We are seriously concerned that Georgia is selectively using recently adopted legislation, including amendments to the Law on Grants, against actual or perceived critics of the Georgian government, thereby unduly restricting freedom of expression and the functioning of civil society,” the US State Department said in response to a question from Formula.