Statement of solidarity with Georgian NGOs, activists, and the LGBT+ community

^{Photo: Transparency International Georgia}

We express our deep concern over the recent actions of Georgia’s current government, which has been swiftly passing legislation that not only targets civil society and the LGBT+ community but also threatens the broader society, steering the country away from its democratic course.

With deep sorrow we note the fact of Russian authoritarian laws being reproduced in Georgia, which can set a dangerous precedent for the countries of Eastern Partnership.

Unfortunately, this policy of the Georgian authorities, as an encouragement of hatred and a green light to intolerance, has already had its consequences.  On September 18th, just a day after the parliamentary majority unilaterally approved package bill, the murder of a young trans woman occurred, which is nothing more than a testimony to that.

^{Photo: Kesaria Abramidze’s Instagram page}

Practice shows that hate crimes are more severe when the government fails to provide legal protection for vulnerable groups through legislation or policy.  We hope that similar cases will be effectively prevented, and citizens will not suffer as a result of the change in the state’s foreign policy priorities.

We stand in solidarity with Georgian civil society, activists, and the LGBT+ community, supporting their fight against legislative changes that seek to violate the rights to the freedom of expression, association and other human rights, to silence the voices of the most vulnerable and to suppress the human rights of the citizens.

Nevertheless, we remain hopeful that the situation will improve following the upcoming Georgian parliamentary elections, when democratic and human-centered forces may prevail.

We extend our solidarity, wishing you strength and resilience during these challenging times.