The U.S.-based PEN writers' association warned in a report published on November 2 that the government in Georgia is clamping down on freedom of speech and cultural expression in ways that could have implications for Georgia's bid to join the European Union.
The report by PEN America highlighted a “concerning pattern of targeting individuals” in the cultural sphere who have criticized the government or expressed views at odds with the government’s line. It also highlighted the government’s interference in the system of selecting and appointing leaders of the country’s major cultural institutions.
According to the New York-based nonprofit, these practices are part of the ruling Georgian Dream party’s “concerted effort to suppress free expression and curb cultural independence in the country.”
“Their goal seems to be the redirection of overwhelming public support away from EU membership and toward stronger ties with Russia,” PEN America’s advocacy and Eurasia director, Polina Sadovskaya, said in a statement.
“These actions have drawn limited international attention, which is concerning, given that restraints on writers, artists, and cultural workers are regularly one of the first signs of democratic backsliding as autocrats seek to control public opinion,” she added.
The report details several initiatives spearheaded by Tea Tsulukiani, Georgia’s minister of culture, which according to PEN America are “aimed at overseeing and controlling Georgia’s vibrant cultural landscape.”
Among them are alleged attempts to silence artists who are critical of the government.
One case detailed in the report is a criminal investigation launched against the artist Sandro Sulaberidze, who removed his self-portrait from a gallery wall and had painted in its place the phrase “Art is alive and independent!”
Another case mentioned in the report is that of Gaga Chkheidze, who was dismissed from his position as director of the Georgian National Film Center shortly after posting critical remarks about the government on Facebook.
The report also detailed a case of alleged government interference in the personnel policy of cultural institutions, including the National Museum of Georgia and the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Protection. As part of their “restructuring,” staff members were required to undergo interviews during which they were asked about their political allegiance.
Subsequently, scores of employees, including many highly qualified researchers and directors, were let go and replaced by government-appointed officials with little to no experience in managing museums or cultural institutions, the report said.
PEN America also described government interference in awarding literary awards, with the Culture Ministry requiring the inclusion of a ministry representative on literary awards juries and requiring the ministry’s approval of the other jury members.
The PEN America’s report comes as Georgia is expecting a decision on its EU membership bid.
Georgia applied for EU membership shortly after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, along with Ukraine and Moldova. While the two latter countries were awarded candidate status in June 2022, Georgia was instead given an EU “perspective” and a list of reforms it should implement.
In addition to tackling political polarization and other issues, the European Commission has recommended that Georgia address concerns about freedom of expression.
By the end of the year, the EU will decide -- based on its perception of the progress Georgia has made on those reforms -- whether to award it candidate status.