An inter-State complaint can provide enhanced protection for civil society organisations currently facing an existential risk. It can address patterns of violations, thereby presenting the full picture of the deteriorating human rights situation in Georgia. The European Court of Human Rights treats inter-State applications as a priority and holds hearings, thereby giving the case visibility. Civil society organisations may act as third parties to maximise the impact of the proceedings.
The OSCE Moscow Mechanism report dated 24 February 2026 may be used as factual evidence in proceedings before the Court. The report portrays Georgia as a country undergoing rapid democratic backsliding, characterised by increasing repression of dissent, weakened institutions, and serious human rights concerns. According to the report, there is a pattern of violence and other abuses against protesters, opposition leaders and journalists. In some instances, the violence has arguably reached the threshold of torture. There is near-complete impunity for those responsible for these abuses.
The Norwegian Helsinki Committee has set out the case for an inter-state complaint against Georgia in some detail in a new brief. It argues that the action aligns with the North European Member States’ leadership in defending European democratic values and with their historical role in upholding the rule of law, democracy and human rights. Countries in this region could take the lead in lodging the application and include as many Member States as possible in the action.
A judgment by the European Court of Human Rights will have a unique authoritative character, making it costly for the Georgian government not to comply.