OSCE Chairmanship Concerned by Comments Targeting Civil Society Representatives

The fourth day of the OSCE Human Dimension Conference in Warsaw opened on October 8 with a speech on Georgia by the OSCE Chairmanship representative. He responded to statements by representatives of Georgian Dream directed at civil society representatives participating in the conference.

Within the conference, Baia Pataraia, founder of Sapari, together with SIA, presented on October 6 a study on the possible use of chemical substances during the dispersal of protests in November-December 2024. On October 5, when Georgian representative Veka Modebadze was delivering a speech in the hall, Pataraia unfurled a banner reading: "Free all Georgian political prisoners".

On October 7, Shalva Papuashvili said: "Find out who financed this specific anti-Georgian action, who gave money to SIA and Baia Pataraia – as soon as you find the source of the money, you will see who is hostile to Georgia".

The co-chairmanship representative stated: "Ensuring a platform where civil society representatives can participate and cooperate with OSCE participating States and executive structures is a key OSCE value. They must be able to do so without negative consequences. This is essential for the functioning of OSCE instruments.

We are concerned about comments made towards Georgian civil society representatives for their participation in this conference, as well as about reports from human rights defenders attending the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference. We want to once again emphasize the importance of safe participation in OSCE events without the threat of reprisals".

The outlet Rapporteur wrote on September 30 that Georgia wants the OSCE Chairmanship, although EU member states oppose its candidacy.

Source: Publika