OSCE Exerts Pressure on Independent Judiciary – Irakli Cheishvili

According to Irakli Cheishvili, an MP from the "Georgian Dream" party, the OSCE is applying double standards. He points out that while the organization urges the Georgian government to withdraw its petition to ban opposition parties, it does not appear to take a similar stance regarding Germany.

Cheishvili argues that the OSCE’s call—made against the backdrop of ongoing proceedings in the Constitutional Court—constitutes pressure on an independent judiciary.

"What the OSCE is doing—in contrast to its approach toward Germany—is a clear example of double standards, especially given that the German government is currently attempting to ban the opposition party with the highest public support. Despite their efforts to ban this specific party, the OSCE has—for some reason—not issued a similar statement regarding this EU member state," Cheishvili stated while speaking to journalists.

In his view, it is incomprehensible why the prospect of banning an opposition party is considered unacceptable in Georgia, when a similar issue is being addressed in Germany. "Are we depriving the voters of representation? Germany—touted by the EU itself as a beacon of democracy—is attempting to ban the leading opposition party in the Federal Republic of Germany. In that instance, are they not depriving the voters? Where does the EU stand on this? This is simply wrong. Why is something acceptable for them, yet unacceptable for us?" the MP remarked.

According to Cheishvili, "Georgian Dream" has submitted evidence to the Constitutional Court—material which, he explains, concerns actions taken by opposition parties both before and after 2012.

He stated that the petition is accompanied by documentation organized by date, as well as the findings of an investigative commission. The MP expressed hope that the Constitutional Court will rule to ban the opposition parties. For reference, Gudrun Kugler, Vice-President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, has commented on the lawsuit filed by "Georgian Dream" MPs with the Constitutional Court—which seeks to ban opposition parties—and has urged the authorities to withdraw it.

According to Kugler, political competition should be resolved through elections and democratic debate, not by eliminating political opponents. She further noted that banning political parties is an extreme measure, and that Georgia, as a member of both the OSCE and the Council of Europe, must fulfill its democratic commitments.