Liberal International’s new human rights committee chair, Baroness Sal Brinton (Liberal Democrats, UK) together with liberal MPs sitting in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) for the first time in 2025 have called for the postponement of the Georgian delegation’s mandates.

Meeting between 27-31 January, a report from the PACE delegation observation mission on Georgia’s 2024 parliamentary elections was presented by liberal, Iulian Bulai MP (USR, Romania). The report revealed significant flaws in the election process, citing concerns over the integrity of the elections and the lack of political independence of key state institutions and was instrumental in shaping the Assembly’s decision to postpone the ratification of the Georgian delegation’s mandates until the next PACE session in April.

Speaking after the vote, LI HRC Chair Baroness Brinton said:

The group proposed this delay on the condition that Georgia address three critical demands:

1. The Organization of New, Genuinely Democratic Parliamentary Elections
   PACE called for fresh parliamentary elections in Georgia, emphasizing the need for them to be genuinely democratic. This would require stringent international monitoring to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, along with maintaining the political independence of state institutions and the election administration.
2. Accountability for Violent Crackdowns and Human Rights Violations
   The resolution demanded accountability for law enforcement officials involved in violent crackdowns against peaceful protesters, as well as instances of beatings, mistreatment, torture, and arbitrary arrests. Ensuring justice for these actions was deemed essential for Georgia to maintain its relationship with PACE.
3. The Release of All Political Prisoners
   Another key condition was the immediate release of all political prisoners in Georgia, as part of the broader commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

Following the adoption of the resolution, the Georgian Dream delegation made the decision to leave the Parliamentary Assembly, signalling their disagreement with the conditions set forth by PACE. This departure marked a significant moment in Georgia’s relationship with the Council of Europe and PACE, as the country faced increased scrutiny over its democratic practices and human rights record. It also illustrated the pressure that international bodies such as PACE are increasingly willing to exert on governments that fail to uphold democratic principles.

The ALDE group’s approach highlighted the importance of democracy, human rights, and accountability as foundational principles for international cooperation. LI HRC chairperson, who was part of the UK delegation, played a vital role in these discussions. She emphasized the need for PACE to uphold its commitment to human rights and democratic values, ensuring that member states continue to respect the principles of the Council of Europe.