Norwegian Helsinki Committee: We condemn “Georgian Dream’s” attempt to ban five opposition parties – Banning opposition voices pushes the country even further toward authoritarianism

We condemn “Georgian Dream’s” attempt to ban five opposition parties through the Constitutional Court, – this is stated in a statement by the Norwegian Helsinki Committee.

“This is taking place against the backdrop of a prolonged political crisis following the disputed 2024 parliamentary elections, large-scale protest rallies, repressive laws, restrictions on civil society and independent media, and a growing number of political prisoners,” the statement notes.

The Norwegian Helsinki Committee emphasizes that “Georgian Dream” accuses the opposition parties of undermining Georgia’s constitutional order, which the targeted parties deny and consider politically motivated.

“Banning opposition voices pushes the country even further toward authoritarianism. European countries and institutions must support the people of Georgia and call for such actions to be stopped. Fundamental freedoms and Georgia’s international commitments in the field of human rights must be upheld. Political opposition, civil society groups, and independent voices must be able to act freely without fear of intimidation,” the statement says.