In Tbilisi, Georgia, protestors were out on the streets in their tens of thousands for the twelfth night running.
It is freezing out there, so to keep them warm they decided to burn an effigy of Georgian Dream party chairman and billionaire mastermind Bidzina Ivanishvili. He was in a coffin this time.
If it looks a bit voodoo, that's because it is. Ivanishvili is very superstitious...
"The persistent democratic backslide and the recent repressive means used by Georgian authorities have consequences for our bilateral relations. The EU will consider additional measures at the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council on 16 December.
The EU stands in solidarity with the Georgian people and their democratic and European aspirations."
E.U. Statement on Georgia.
https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/georgia-statement-spokesperson-developments-georgia_en
For nearly two weeks, the Georgian people have been standing up for their democratic and European aspirations, facing brutal, unlawful force from the police while exercising their right to freedom of expression. Arbitrary detentions of protesters and opposition leaders persist, with media representatives specifically targeted by law enforcement authorities and informal violent groups. Over 400 individuals have been detained, and more than 300 have reportedly suffered violence and ill-treatment, many requiring urgent medical care. Disturbing reports from civil society organisations and the Public Defender of Georgia indicate severe and intentional violence, raising credible concerns of torture and inhuman treatment. Despite these reports, so far, no police officers or members of informal violent groups have been held accountable. The EU deplores these repressive actions against protesters, media representatives and opposition leaders and calls for the immediate release of all detained individuals. The EU demands an end to widespread intimidation, political persecution, reported torture and ill-treatment of citizens. Fundamental rights, such as the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, must be respected and safeguarded in line with Georgia's Constitution and international obligations. All allegations of torture and ill-treatment must be credibly investigated. We encourage local and international organisations and the Public Defender to continue documenting the widespread violations of human rights in Georgia. We urge Georgian Dream to de-escalate and put an end to this environment that comes with severe costs for the Georgian people. Violence is not the answer to the protesters’ demands for Georgia’s democratic and European future. We recall that it was Georgian Dream’s course of action that led to the de facto halt of the EU accession process. The persistent democratic backslide and the recent repressive means used by Georgian authorities have consequences for our bilateral relations. The EU will consider additional measures at the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council on 16 December. The EU stands in solidarity with the Georgian people and their democratic and European aspirations.
In Georgia, the security services are forecasting that 'local actors directed by special services of foreign powers'' are going to escalate the protests by orchestrating the deaths of 2-3 protestors and blaming the deaths on the government.
They have zero evidence that 'special services of foreign powers' are involved in the violence at protests so far in Georgia.
At least, not on the protestor's side...
Georgian businessman Giorgi Chkheidze, who served as Georgian Dream’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture in 2016-2018, published a letter saying that halting the EU accession was “national treason.”
“A government that puts its own interests ahead of those of its people and opposes the aspirations of its people is doomed and will inevitably be defeated. The more it tries to crush and defeat people, the more severely it will be punished. This is a historical inevitability."
Salome Zourabichvilli, the unstoppable President of Georgia, today gave out medals for civic dedication to journalists and reporters covering the protests in Georgia.
Many journalists have been targeted by the ruling Georgian Dream party with detainment and hospitalisations, so this is a powerful gesture by the President, whose office is the last one not to be captured by the regime.
#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia
https://publika.ge/medlit-samoqalaqo-tavdadebisatvis-prezidentma-mediis-warmomadgenlebi-daajildova/
Georgian President Awards Journalists.
"You are the window through which we see what is happening. If you weren't there, people who are not outside at the demonstrations, because they can't stand there, they wouldn't know what is happening and even from one part of the protest to the other, which is spread across several cities, we wouldn't know that the country is standing against injustice."
"Your presence and your dedication are very important, today, tomorrow and always."
"In Georgia, nearly 500 people have been arrested over the past 12 days, with more than 300 reporting beatings or torture. Over 90 journalists have faced physical violence and obstruction, and more than 80 have been hospitalized. Georgian Dream is pushing to legitimize terror.
Despite the horrors, people refuse to back down—not because these events aren’t terrifying, but because they are determined to prevent Georgia from becoming Russia."
Katie Shoshiashvili,
Transparency Georgia
Here are some photographs from an award ceremony in Tbilisi, Georgia today. President Salome Zourabichvilli is giving out civic awards to journalists covering the recent protests in Georgia.
You'll notice that the journalists are wearing bandages and neck braces. They have all sustained injuries while covering the protests. They were all attacked by unidentified 'special forces' working for Georgia's illegitimate government.
Shine a light on this.
This will surprise absolutely nobody.
Hungary, the only EU country that has recognized the new government in Georgia, has announced that it will veto any sanctions the E.U. try to put on Georgia.
"Nonsensical and unjustified", they say.
"Orban's a Russian stooge", (I say.)
On December 10, Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili held a meeting and a joint press conference with her Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó. During her visit to Hungary, she received conf
"Giorgi Gakharia, the former Minister of Internal Affairs under Georgian Dream, who still maintains close ties to the structure, claims that more than 100 police officers have submitted resignation requests in protest, but the Minister is refusing to approve them."
Anna Gvarishvili,
Georgian journalist.
"Despite domestic and international pressure, the Georgian government is intensifying the crackdown.
The EU has deplored authorities’ repressive actions, but it's time for decisive steps. The EU should seek independent investigations into the post-election violence by experts from the Council of Europe and the U.N., calling on them to examine the unlawful use of force, arbitrary detention, and the mounting evidence of ill-treatment and torture."
Human Rights Watch
https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/12/10/georgias-human-rights-crisis-deepens-amid-mass-protests
"Emmanuel Macron spoke with Bidzina Ivanishvili, the powerful billionaire behind the ruling Georgian Dream party, to express his urgent concerns over the deteriorating state of democracy in the country.
The call was initiated by Macron and comes amid a violent crackdown on protesters following disputed elections in October that Georgian Dream won.
Macron condemned law enforcement for the use of excessive force against nonviolent protesters and journalists in general."
An electoral college dominated by the ruling Georgian Dream is set to appoint far-right former soccer star Mikheil Kavelashvili as president on December 14 following a disputed election process that the country’s current president and opposition say was rigged.
"While on the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia – now in its fourteenth consecutive day of protests against the government’s decision to suspend the EU accession process – law enforcement violence continues, the European Union warns that it will “consider further measures” against those responsible for the democratic backsliding and repression.
However, Hungary promises: “We will veto” any sanctions on Georgian officials."
The 27 member states will consider possible sanctions against Georgian officials responsible for the violence on pro-EU protesters on Monday, Dec. 16. Unanimity is needed, but "if such a proposal comes up, Hungary will block it," says Budapest's foreign minister
In Georgia, the independent Mtavari T.V. Channel is under threat of being closed down by it's own co founder Zaza Okuashvili. It's suspected he is being pressured (some kind of financial blackmail, not yet known) by Georgian Dream party chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili.
The journalists at the channel are fighting back and promising to stay on air as long as they can.
On the bloody Christmas tree outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia, protestors are hanging pink coffins with bloody handprints on them.
They allude to widespread rumours about Tbilisi mayor and Georgian Dream party member Kakha Kahladze.
The mind boggles.
It's the 14th day of protests across Georgia, and they are just not stopping.
Different groups are organizing their own separate marches before arriving at the main protest point outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Yesterday there were the architects and then the doctors, earlier there were teachers and the latest are the civil servants.
The banner says "We serve people and state! We defend Georgian constitution"
A delegation from the European Parliament has arrived in Georgia. The MEPs include Rasa Juknevičienė (Lithuania), Michał Szczerba (Poland), Nathalie Loiseau (France), Bernard Guetta (France), Tobias Cremer (Germany), and Reinier van Lanschot (Netherlands).
They are meeting now with opposition parties and later with President Zourabichvilli. The fact they are meeting with the opposition and not the ruling Georgian Dream party speaks volumes.
Zelenskyy calls for stronger action against Georgia.
"Zelenskyy noted that Georgia has rejected the EU integration and that the Georgian government “is completely under the political control of the Russian Federation.” He said that the US and EU have not been strong enough to withstand Russian influence”
“What strong measures have been taken by the United States of America? What strong measures have the European states taken? I don’t see any, to tell you frankly."
In Tbilisi, Georgia today, it is the turn of the Tech sector to march to parliament as they announce a 2 day strike.
Here they are protesting in a language all the tech geeks will understand.
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15 days into national protests against the Georgian government, and the Georgian people have endured. They've endured government propaganda and gaslighting, arbitrary detentions, hospitalisations, tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, unidentified special forces and regime thugs.
Still, they protest. Here's how they protested last night, with a beautiful rendition of a traditional polyphonic Georgian song, about endurance, naturally.
Hear the people sing.
In 2023, young Georgian pianist Giorgi Gigashvili won the prestigious Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition.
In 2024, he's on the streets of Tbilisi, demanding the release of Tbilisi Conservatoire student Anri Kakhbadze, detained after protesting against the government.
This is becoming the norm in Georgia now. Protest is everybody, everywhere, everyday.
"Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Georgia Gareth Ward expressed his dismay at the decisions made by the Georgian Dream party, including those seen as a deviation from Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic path. “We are shocked by the violence used by law enforcement and informal groups,” the Ambassador said in his address in the Georgian language, calling the actions “unacceptable” and urging their immediate cessation."
This is Rasa Juknevičienė meeting with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvilli. Jukneviciene leads a delegation of MEP's visiting Tbilisi, Georgia today.
The delegation plans to meet with opposition leaders, the president, civil society groups and members of independent media in Georgia. Significantly, they have announced no plans to meet with the Georgian government.
For now, everybody is remaining tight lipped about exactly what is being discussed. Watch this space...
"We ask the Georgian authorities to re-conduct these elections under certain conditions and in accordance with the norms that we in the European Union respect."
Michal Szczerba,
MEP,
Poland.
უნდა ითქვას, რომ საპარლამენტო არჩევნები თავისუფალი და სამართლიანი არ ყოფილა, - ამის შესახებ ევროპარლამენტარმა მიჰალ შჩერბამ
"Amid the violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators in Georgia, we can consider the fact that the propaganda arm of the brutal government, Imedi TV, is operated and managed from the UK through the company Hunnewell Partners.
Is it time for the Criminal Security Service to conduct an investigation into the operation from this country in the direction of pro-Russian propaganda and incitement to violence against peaceful demonstrators?"
Blair McDougall,
MP,
U K.
In Tbilisi, Georgia tomorrow, there are 14 separate protests planned. Different sectors of society are all planning individual protests - lawyers, psychologists, the wine industry, musicians, d.j.s, H.R, Marketing, P.R...., they're all likely to meet up at the end of the day for the 16th consecutive night of protest outside parliament.
"At the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, 35 countries said Irakli Kobakhidze’s statement not to pursue the opening of EU accession negotiations and to reject EU financial assistance until 2028 “appears to be in violation of the Georgian Constitution.”
The statement does not refer to Irakli Kobakhidze as “Prime Minister.”
In Tbilisi, Georgia, a delegation of MEPs, led by Lithuania's Rasa Jukneviciene, have been visiting today.
They met with opposition politicians, President Zourabichvilli, civil society organisations, and independent media journalists and reporters.
They have pointedly ignored the governing party and have now headed out to Rustavali Avenue to join the nightly protests.
Georgia is Europe, and Europe is Georgia.
"The United States strongly condemns the Georgian Dream party’s ongoing, brutal, and unjustified violence against Georgian citizens, including protesters, members of the media, human rights activists, and opposition figures.We are committed to seeing that senior officials responsible will be subject to visa restrictions.
We are preparing additional actions, including sanctions, to hold to account those who undermine democracy in Georgia."
Matthew Miller,
US State Dept.
In Tbilisi, Georgia, today there are at least 17 separate protest actions going on in multiple locations. The city is at a standstill already, and they all seem to be merging into one huge protest.
It's impossible to keep up with them all. I'm keeping an eye out for the d.j.s and the wine makers, and the place where those two meet.
This is Lithuanian MEP Rasa Jukneviciene outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia. She was one of a delegation of 7 MEPs who joined the protestors in Georgia last night on their 15th night of protests against the illegitimate government.
This act of solidarity meant the world to Georgians. Standing with Georgia. Literally.
🇬🇪❤️🇪🇺❤️🇬🇪
"This is not even funny anymore. The so-called “People’s Power Party" who officially left Georgian Dream Party (GD) after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine to “criticize the West more openly,” rejoined GD for the elections and ran on their list.
Now, they are declaring that they’re leaving GD once again to create a “healthy opposition.”
Mikheil Kavelashvili, GD's presidential candidate, is a member of “People’s Power.”
Anna Gvarishvili,
Georgian journalist.
Georgian Parliamentary Democracy, Georgian Dream style.
In a nutshell, because the opposition parties refuse to attend parliament after an illegitimate election, the ruling Georgian Dream party is splitting itself in half to create two parties so it looks like they have an opposition in parliament.
The punchline is that the new "People's Power" pretend opposition party is even more right wing and more pro-Russian than the government.
Everything's fine....
The Georgian Tech sector are marching in protest against the government for the second day in Tbilisi, Georgia, and their messaging is on point.
"Community marches are quickly becoming so widespread in Georgia that a Facebook cat lovers group also discusses organizing one. I swear to God.
I feel like it's a matter of principle that us dog lovers do something as well."
Marika Mikiashvili,
Georgia.
The breadth and depth of protests in Tbilisi and other towns and cities across Georgia today is truly astonishing.
It's impossible to mention all the different sectors, but even the local bakeries are joining in.
We Bake Freedom!
In Georgia, the government have tried to dismiss the massive protests happening everywhere for over 2 weeks now. They portrayed them as a few students and opposition party activists.
So, to prove them wrong, Georgia is seeing how many different sections of society can have separate protests today.
And it's getting super competitive. I think the construction workers waving flags on top of a massive crane are really going for the prize.
Georgia protests are also happening outside European Parliament in Brussels.
The sign says it all.
"Today, the Georgian civil society has become consolidated… The idea of a European Georgia has united the nation… And the national accord has been achieved.”
“This enormous protest is solely about achieving new elections, because there is no other peaceful way out… There is no peace without free and fair elections.”
“You cannot jail everyone.”
President Salome Zourabichvili,
Georgia.
"The Georgian Dream government has lost its mandate, and the people will not relent until it is removed. High-level resignations have escalated, including ambassadors and officials from the Ministry of the Interior. Fed up with government-induced violence and relentless disinformation, even top hosts from pro-government television channels are defecting. Swaths of Georgian companies are also openly condemning the government’s actions."
Will Cathcart.
https://thehill.com/opinion/international/5038098-georgia-protests-russia/
President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili affirmed her commitment to staying in office during a press briefing, emphasizing the need for legitimate leadership in the country during this critical moment.
“I’m here, and I will remain here because this country urgently needs a legitimate institution. If anyone in this country truly wants peace, if anyone wants to emerge from this crisis victorious in any form, there is only one path forward—elections."
The EU is meeting on Monday to discuss sanctions against Georgia. It's expected that Hungary will veto any EU wide sanctions.
Behind the scenes, Germany, France and Poland and others are said to be getting ready to act in a 'coalition of the willing' to sanction Georgia as individual countries. It has to happen.
"We’ve got Georgia on our mind. But we’re not in good company. The protests rocking the small country of Georgia have lost their fragile grip on the Western news agenda, just as events have rocketed beyond the “protests” they were initially headlined as being."
https://bylinetimes.com/2024/12/13/georgia-violence-eu-foreign-media/
It's another big day in Georgia as protests are under way against the election of a new president.
When I say election, the illegitimate government have changed the rules so that the presidency is now decided by a committee of their own members.
The people refuse to recognize the new president. The current president, Salome Zourabichvilli, also refuses to recognize the new president. She is still the only legitimate leader of Georgia, and she's not going anywhere.
In Georgia, 'voting' is happening now in parliament for the new president.
Ex-footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili of the Georgian Dream party is the firm favourite to win. That's mostly because the opposition party won't be voting as they refuse to attend the illegitimate parliament. Also, Kavelashvili is the only candidate on the ballot.
When Georgians say their democracy has been hijacked, this is what they mean.
Tbilisi, Georgia is protesting again today.
Among many others there are separate protests by environmental campaigners, mothers, designers, mountain hikers and soccer players.
Every section of society in Georgia has protested against the government.
In Tbilisi, Georgia today, three things are happening.
Inside parliament, the illegitimate government are illegitimately voting for a new illegitimate president.
Outside parliament, they are getting ready for the lighting of the Christmas tree in a ceremony this evening which will attempt to convey how completely normal and well adjusted life in Georgia is right now.
Also, outside parliament, thousands of protestors will once again be protesting, against all of this.
In Tbilisi, Georgia, the illegitimate government are illegitimately voting for an illegitimate new president.
Meanwhile, outside, the current president Salome Zourabichvilli is walking around among the protestors to remind them that she is still the legitimate president, she is still with them, and is not going anywhere.
In Tbilisi, Georgia, as one of several protests planned for today, the Mothers march is taking place.
"I didn't give birth to nine kids for them to live in Russia."
"Georgian lawmakers have elected Mikheil Kavelashvili, a pro-Russia, hardline critic of the west, as the country’s new president.
Kavelashvili, a former professional football player, has strong anti-western views. In public speeches this year, he has repeatedly alleged that western intelligence agencies are seeking to drive Georgia into war with Russia"
"The appointment of Mikheil Kavelashvili — a figure lacking education, intellect, and any qualifications for the role — as “President” is nothing short of Bidzina Ivanishvili mocking the Georgian people.
It is a brazen display of arrogance, signaling that if he so desires, he could install a zebra in the Presidential Palace and compel us to call it President. This is purely a demonstration of power."
Anna Gvarishvili,
Georgian journalist.
In Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili is now illegitimate president. It marks a new low point in a long fall from grace for the former Man City player.
From Manchester, we feel your pain Georgia. He didn't stay at City for long. We knew he was no good, but, honestly, we had no idea.
“Kavelashvili spent most of his time at Man City facing in the wrong direction, just as he now seems to be doing as the prospective Russia-apologist leader of Georgia."
Simon Curtis,
Author,
Man City fan.
"There were no real elections in Georgia today. What took place was a farce — just like in Russia, Belarus, and other autocracies.
The only legitimate official in Georgia is President Salome Zourabichvili, elected as a result of free elections.
Ivanishvili continues the state capture."
Rasa Jukneviciene,
MEP,
Lithuania.
There's nothing more Christmassy than rows and rows of riot police keeping protestors away from the annual lighting of the Christmas tree.
Happening now outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia.
In Tbilisi, Georgia, the Mayor Kakha Kaladze has postponed the Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Rustaveli Avenue outside parliament.
This is a symbolic defeat for Georgian Dream, who were determined to go ahead with the lighting of the Christmas tree in the middle of huge protests as a gesture that they were in control of the country and everything was just fine.
Everything is far from fine, and this last minute postponement could be a sign they are losing their nerve.
In Tbilisi, Georgia, the actual legitimate President Zourabichvilli has just turned up outside parliament at the very moment the mayor has announced the postponement of the Christmas tree lighting ceremony due to massive protests happening all around it.
It's not yet clear what she's doing there. I think she may be gloating, just a little bit.
This is legitimate President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvilli standing beneath the unlit Christmas tree outside parliament in Tbilisi.
Minutes earlier, the ruling Georgian Dream party had scurried off after abandoning plans to light the tree, due to the massive crowd of protestors who refuse to let the government carry on as everything is normal in Georgia. It's not.
She addressed the crowd of cheering protestors simply :
"I am with you, and you are in my heart."
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