Ranking Member Shaheen, Chairman Risch Statement on Deteriorating Political Situation in Georgia

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on recent developments of the political situation in Georgia following the crackdown in the aftermath of the local elections held on October 4:

"We are increasingly concerned by the deteriorating political situation in Georgia and the troubling actions taken by the Georgian government following recent local elections. Prime Minister Kobakhidze's decision to outlaw opposition parties and jail their leaders is egregious, undemocratic and yet another indication that Georgian Dream is wholly uninterested in pursuing a path toward normalized political dialogue. Politically-motivated investigations and intimidation of civil society leaders, particularly those who have worked with the United States government and testified before our committee, are an attempt to silence dissent in a country with a proud history of speaking truth to power.

"It is also unacceptable that the Georgian government has targeted former U.S. government employees by making baseless allegations that they are undermining Georgia's government. Let us be clear: it is Georgian Dream, not the United States, that is undermining Georgia's democracy and their ability to determine their future. We welcome the Department of State's decision to summon the Georgian Ambassador to address these disturbing developments and we urge the Trump Administration to consider recent actions by the Georgian government before pursuing any change to the bilateral relationship. We extend our unwavering, bipartisan support to the Georgian people who simply wish to claim their right to self-determination."

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