Freemuse and the International Association of Arts Critics (AICA) have submitted a report to the United Nations highlighting a growing crisis for artistic freedom and expression in Georgia. This report is part of the evidence provided to the United Nations which will be considering Georgia’s adherence to its human rights obligations on 26 January 2026 under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. On that day, the Georgian government will present its case to member states of the UN Council on Human Rights in a half-day session held at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva.
You can watch the proceedings live on 26 January 2026, and the recording is usually available to view afterwards: Live stream (UN Web TV).
The submission raises recent laws and government actions are not only restricting public protest and free speech but are also silencing cultural voices – artists, poets, musicians, and theatre makers – who have played a central role in civic life.
Since late 2024, repressive amendments have been rushed through parliament that criminalise symbolic protest actions, impose heavy fines, and other measures, making dissent increasingly risky. These measures have been used to detain, beat, and intimidate protesters, including many artists and cultural workers, dramatically undermining fundamental freedoms.
Cultural institutions and productions have also come – and continue to be – under attack. For example, the Royal District Theatre has faced a targeted campaign of defamation and threats in response to its bold production Liberté, widely condemned by state‑aligned media and religious authorities, with ultra‑right‑wing groups mobilized outside the theatre.
This environment has forced cultural spaces to shut down and led to self‑censorship and fear within Georgia’s artistic community. The Freemuse/AICA submission calls on the Georgian government to protect the right to create and protest without fear, repeal repressive laws, and uphold democratic values that allow art and culture to thrive. We are calling on UN member states to include recommendations towards the protection of the freedoms of expression, notably artistic freedom, and peaceful protest during the UPR. These are to:
Release all political prisoners held in violation of their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, many of whom are artists and cultural workers.
Repeal or amend the 2024–2025 amendments to the laws on “Assemblies and Manifestations” and “On Family Values and Protection of Minors” to ensure full compliance with international standards on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and cultural rights.
Investigate all reported cases of violence, harassment, and repression against artists and cultural figures, including those involving law enforcement or affiliated groups, and hold perpetrators accountable through independent and transparent legal processes.
Guarantee and protect the right to produce and present artistic work without undue state or religious censorship, including ensuring that exhibitions, performances, and publications are not shut down for political reasons.
Repeal the Foreign Agents Registration Act to uphold the right to freedom of association and eliminate the chilling effect its application has on freedom of expression, notably in the arts.
Pursue decentralisation and independence of cultural institutions that support creativity and free artistic expression.
Read the UPR here.