Human Rights First’s Post

#EU’s Stance on #Georgia and the Question of #Consistency The EU's new #foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has criticized the Georgian government's use of force against pro-EU demonstrators, even suggesting sanctions as a possible response. She emphasized the importance of respecting the will of the people, condemning violence against peaceful protesters. While I agree with the EU’s position against violence, and that governments and regimes must avoid dealing with their people through violence or pursuing paths that lead to it, they must also remain committed to continuous dialogue with their citizens. However, the reminder of how French authorities handled the gilets jaunes (Yellow Vests) protests highlights a double standard. The images of forceful responses to domestic protests in EU nations raise questions about the uniform application of democratic principles and human rights. Consistency in values is crucial for maintaining credibility in global diplomacy. If the EU expects others to uphold peaceful governance, it must ensure its own member states adhere to the same standards. #EU #GeorgiaProtests #YellowVests #HumanRights #Dialogue

The actions of Georgia’s ruling bloc to suspend its EU membership application of 3 March 2022 and halt the European integration process mark a deeply troubling moment for the country's democratic future. This decision, coupled with the violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations, undermines the aspirations of the Georgian people, who overwhelmingly wish for a European future. This week, the European Parliament adopted a resolution, shaped by Renew Europe, is calling for:  📢 A re-run of the 26 October parliamentary elections, which were neither free nor fair. 📢 EU Member States to impose targeted sanctions on officials and leaders responsible for Georgia’s democratic backsliding, including oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. Valérie Hayer, President of Renew Europe, affirmed: “We stand with the overwhelming majority of Georgian people who want to live in a democracy and have a brighter, European future. EU sanctions targeting the people who are reversing democracy in Georgia must now be on the table.” Renew Europe calls for immediate accountability and stands firm in supporting the democratic will of Georgian citizens. 👉 Read more in our full statement: https://lnkd.in/dfkuSx-R

The #UnitedStates condemns the #Kremlin-inspired “foreign influence” legislation advanced in #Georgia’s parliament earlier today and the false narrative government officials have adopted to defend it. Members of the ruling party have been clear that the intent of the law is to silence critical voices and destroy Georgia’s vibrant civil society, which serves as a critical check on government in any democratic nation. This legislation and Georgian Dream’s anti-Western rhetoric put Georgia on a precarious trajectory. The statements and actions of the Georgian government are incompatible with the democratic values that underpin membership in the #EU and #NATO and thus jeopardize Georgia’s path to Euro-Atlantic integration. Comments mischaracterizing foreign assistance in Georgia – which we have provided for 32 years to strengthen Georgia’s economy, democracy, and ability to deter Russian aggression – fundamentally undermine the strong relationship we have developed with the government and people of Georgia. We stand with the Georgian people and their right to have their voices heard. We condemn the use of violence against peaceful protests, including against journalists covering the demonstrations. Use of force to suppress peaceful assembly and freedom of speech is unacceptable, and we urge authorities to allow non-violent protesters to continue to exercise their right to freedom of expression.

On this #AccessToInfoDay, we expose how Putin’s regime has assaulted media freedoms and crushed independent voices in Russia with increased censorship, intimidation, and repression. #DontBeDeceived, learn more: https://lnkd.in/d5yCHuRm

In a landmark decision, Ukraine's Parliament has voted to join the International Criminal Court (ICC), a crucial step in holding Vladimir Putin and Russian officials accountable for alleged war crimes. With 281 votes in favor, this move represents a significant milestone in Ukraine’s pursuit of justice and its broader European integration goals. Discover more about this pivotal moment at www.foremedia.tv/news. #Ukraine #InternationalCriminalCourt #Justice #WarCrimes #EuropeanIntegration #ForeMediaNews

Unmasking the Doppelganger Campaign: Russian Propaganda Exposed Join us as we uncover the intricacies of the Doppelganger Campaign and the implications of Russian propaganda infiltrating legitimate news outlets. Dive into the charges against Channel One, Anastasia Symes, and the sanctions violations involving Dmitry Symes, all revealed through expert news analysis. #DoppelgangerCampaign #RussianPropaganda #NewsAnalysis #ChannelOne #AnastasiaSymes #DmitrySymes #SanctionsViolations #MediaIntegrity #FakeNews #CurrentEvents

In my latest interview with TVP World, I talk about the latest developments in Georgia, the latest sanctions on Ivanishvili, the issue of the presidency, the political/constitutional crisis, and what’s to expect next. Link: https://lnkd.in/dZqH6nrH

As democracies experience backlashes around the world with restrictions on civic space and media freedom, it is worth considering this list with authoritarian state strategies to resist change: ✅ Legal strategies: Changes to legislation or the constitution to shrink civic or political space 📎 Examples ➡️ Changing laws to criminalize protest, outlaw opposition, de-register NGOs ➡️ Changing the constitution to centralize power, or to engineer a different distribution of power (for example before an election) ✅ Political strategies: Strategies targeting one person or group 📎 Examples ➡️ Sending groups or individuals into exile (denying return) or arrest/ detention ➡️ Targeted prosecution of individuals/groups ✅ Media and Communication strategies: Attempts to shape the narrative at home and abroad 📎 Examples   Restrictions on media freedom ➡️ Social media blackouts ➡️ Anti-opposition messaging via state media ✅  Military and security strategies: Operational changes to state security forces (police, secret police, defence forces) to make them more repressive 📎 Examples ➡️ Assassination of domestic and foreign dissidents (internal and/or abroad) ➡️ Creation of chaos (false-flag terror attacks, arming criminals) ➡️ Aggressive responses to protests Read more in this report: Supporting or Resisting Change Elite Strategies in War to Peace and Political Transitions 📌 https://lnkd.in/dRjVU9mH 📌 #research #authoritarianbacklash #shrinkingcivicspace