A high-profile conference in Strasbourg has brought renewed international attention to the issue of political prisoners in Georgia, with calls for the global Georgian diaspora to rally behind the cause of national freedom and democratic restoration.
The central address came from Lado Gamsakhurdia, commander of the Caucasian Legion, who stressed that the release of political prisoners, including former President Mikheil Saakashvili, is a “fundamental condition” for rebuilding democracy in the country. Gamsakhurdia underscored the transformative role of diaspora communities in amplifying Georgia’s message to the world.
“The diaspora is the driving force behind Georgia’s liberation. It can serve as a bridge between the Georgian people and the international community. I fully support the process of uniting all Georgian communities across the world for one shared goal — the liberation of our homeland,” Gamsakhurdia said during his keynote.
Saakashvili case remains focal point of international advocacy
The issue of Mikheil Saakashvili’s detention continues to draw concern from international human rights bodies and allied governments. Once hailed for steering Georgia toward Euro-Atlantic integration, the ex-president is currently serving a prison sentence on charges widely criticized as politically motivated.
The Strasbourg gathering framed Saakashvili’s imprisonment not just as a personal injustice but as emblematic of broader democratic backsliding in Georgia.
Ukrainian and European leaders signal solidarity
The conference featured high-level participation from both Ukrainian and European political actors. Among them were Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the President of Ukraine, MP Maria Mezentseva of the Verkhovna Rada, and other Ukrainian lawmakers. Their presence sent a unified message of support for Georgia’s democratic aspirations and alignment with European values.
This cross-national solidarity is especially significant as Georgia, like Ukraine, continues to face internal and external pressures challenging its democratic trajectory. Speakers stressed that coordinated action from both civil society and international institutions is essential to counter authoritarian drift.
Growing role of the diaspora in shaping Georgia’s future
Organizers positioned the global Georgian diaspora not only as a symbolic community of support, but as an active player in lobbying, mobilizing, and sustaining international attention on Georgia’s domestic struggles. Gamsakhurdia called for continued coordination among diaspora groups to advocate for political reform and the release of prisoners, including through platforms such as the European Parliament and international human rights forums.
By combining grassroots activism with geopolitical engagement, the movement aims to reaffirm Georgia’s path toward democracy and European integration — a goal increasingly contested within its current political landscape.
