We understand very well the nature of Russian imperialism and for us European integration is not an option, but the only way to survive - however, today this European choice is under direct attack from the pro-Russian ruling party - Georgian Dream and its founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili, - Eka Gigauri, Director of Transparency International Georgia, stated in her speech to the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Dutch Parliament.

Gigauri addressed the members of the committee and noted that supporting Georgia today means not only expressing solidarity - but also actively supporting those groups that are involved in the resistance process on the ground.

“Members of the Committee, it is a special honor and a great privilege for me to be here today to talk about why the struggle of the Georgian people for democracy, the rule of law and a European future is important to the Netherlands.

Georgia is a country of 4 million people in a difficult region, but despite history and constant pressure, we have maintained our identity and unwavering commitment to a European future.

Georgia is not becoming European. Georgia is European - with its history, values ​​and the will of its people.

For decades, more than 80% of Georgians have supported EU membership. This is not politics - it is a civilizational choice.

Therefore, we understand very well the nature of Russian imperialism and for us, European integration is not a choice, but the only way to survive.

And what is especially important - Georgians are fighting for this choice themselves, with continuous, peaceful protests across the country. Georgians have been protesting in the streets for already 500 days.

However, today this European choice is under direct attack from the pro-Russian ruling party, the Georgian Dream, and its founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili, a Russian oligarch who made his fortune in Russia in the 1990s.

Accordingly, the challenges we face are also essentially “Russian” in nature – especially over the past five years, we have seen a systemic deterioration of human rights and democratic institutions.

Hundreds of peaceful demonstrators have become victims of brutal and systematic police violence – and this does not only apply to the violent dispersal of rallies – even police cars were specially equipped to physically beat demonstrators. As a result of this violence, more than 500 people required hospitalization.

There are credible reports of torture and ill-treatment during detention, including in the Public Defender’s report.

More than 120 political prisoners remain in prison as a result of arbitrary justice. And it is particularly significant that women are being deliberately targeted.

Women activists and politicians are subjected to degrading treatment, including being forcibly stripped, threatened, and insulted during detention.

One clear example is Elene Khoshtaria, an opposition leader and mother of four who was arrested and subjected to inhumane treatment.

Her case is not unique – it is part of a wider pattern of repression.

All of this is aimed at silencing, intimidating, and excluding women from public life.

Independent journalism is under pressure – it faces intimidation, discredit campaigns and financial restrictions, yet journalists continue to work courageously.

At the same time, civil society is collapsing.

Through “foreign agent” and grant laws, the government is trying to: cut off funding; stigmatize organizations; and silence those who serve Georgian society.

The goal is clear: to destroy independent voices.

This goal has already been partially achieved – my organization, TI Georgia, has been forced to close five offices across the country, and one of our most important partners, the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, has been forced to suspend much of its activities.

Let me be clear:

These are people who serve their country with love – people who want Georgia to be democratic, free and part of the European Union. And today they are being punished for it.

Nevertheless, Georgian society continues to resist. That is why your role is important.

Supporting Georgia today means not only expressing solidarity - but also actively supporting those groups that are engaged in the resistance process on the ground. For us, this is a fight against Russian influence and for Georgia's European future. This means that Georgia must become a reliable partner for the West in the South Caucasus and the Black Sea region and participate in ensuring European and global security.

The international community must take into account the conclusions of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism report, which clearly describes the systematic violations of human rights.

In practice, this means: ensuring accountability through the International Criminal Court (ICC), where there is evidence of torture and inhuman treatment; encouraging inter-state disputes in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for violations of international obligations; imposing targeted sanctions against those responsible for repression and violence; using universal jurisdiction to prosecute perpetrators of torture within national courts;

These are concrete and accessible tools – and the Moscow Mechanism points directly in this direction.

The Netherlands – as host country of the ICC and the ICJ – is in a unique position to take the lead.

Supporting Georgia, therefore, means using the tools of international law that are right here in The Hague. This is not just a matter of Georgia. This is a matter of whether Europe will stand by those who believe in it. We are not asking you to fight for us. We are already fighting. But your support will determine whether this struggle will lead to a democratic future - or deeper repression," said Eka Gigauri.