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.
While (government..hasBug {. ( )) [
protest ( ) ;
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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."
This morning Salome Zourabichvilli, the only legitimate President of Georgia, addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
She told the full truth about the illegitimacy of the recent elections, the state capture by the Georgian Dream party, the violent repression of protest, and the detainment of opposition members.
She linked this all back to Russia's hybrid war and made it all very clear. They're not just coming for Georgia, they're coming for all of us.
Wake Up!
“If Georgia falls under Russian control… the stakes are very high. This struggle is part of the larger confrontation between Europe and Russian aggression.
After Russia lost in Syria… failed to impose itself in Ukraine… and Moldova… should it win in Georgia?”
Salome Zourabichvilli,
Georgian President,
European Parliament Address.
"The current crisis has transcended the boundaries of party politics and is posing an imminent social and economic threat to the country. An urgent de-escalation of the situation is necessary. The most pragmatic way to de-escalate is to schedule new elections and release those arrested during the recent processes before the New Year."
Statement by business association Free Business Georgia, signed by over 800 Georgian companies.
In Georgia, the statement from the business association Free Business Georgia calling for new elections and the release of political prisoners has really taken off.
Over 800 businesses have signed it, including McDonalds and Coca-Cola.
Georgian businesses are not well known for their political activism, but they've had enough. As Toyota Center Tbilisi founder and director Irakli Gurchiani said:
“Absolutely no one cares anymore what PM Irakli Kobakhidze threatens.”
"Anti Russian Uprising !"
In Georgia, anti government protests are, quite literally, everywhere. This is washing hung out to dry in Batumi.
In Georgia, it's another day, and another march on parliament. This time it's the parents of disabled people, demanding a European future with European rights for their children.
Who would deny them?
‘Give me back my voice. Give me back my European future.’
'For 21 days,Georgians have peacefully protested against stolen elections and Russian-style repression
Their demand is clear:free & fair elections to preserve democracy. Georgians will not stop until it’s achieved!'
Salome Zourabichvilli
President of Georgia,
European Parliament Address.
In Georgia, riot police at the protests went hungry after a contract for 35,000 packed lunches went unfilled as all Georgian catering firms refused to provide them.
It's the first taste of what mass civil disobedience can do. Georgian chefs have other dishes on their menu.
A couple of days ago, the business association Free Business Georgia issued an open statement calling for new elections and the release of political detainees.
It has now been signed by a 1000 businesses with over 800 signatures waiting to be verified. It has some big international names like PWC, Coca cola, Spar, McDonalds. Yes, even McDonalds in Georgia is calling for new elections.
Georgia is really putting the 'mass' into mass civil disobedience.
In Georgia, the mass civil disobedience against the illegitimate government has gone so mainstream that even the corporate world is jumping on board.
The 2 largest commercial banks in Georgia, TBC and Bank of Georgia, have joined forces to create a fund of 5,000,000 GEL (approximately $1,800,000) to assist those injured during the protests and support small and medium-sized businesses.
Georgian civic society is unstoppable.
"The Georgian Dream party is dragging Georgians away from their chosen path to Euro-Atlantic integration and towards the axis of aggressors intent on undermining the democratic world order.”
“Should Georgian Dream prevail in seizing power, the party would turn Georgia into a venue for power projection and economic opportunity not only for its Russian patrons, but also for China and Iran, with whom Georgian Dream has become increasingly close."
U.S. Helsinki Commission
On December 18, the U.S. Helsinki Commission stressed that the ruling Georgian Dream party is "dragging Georgians away from their chosen path to Euro-Atlantic integration and towards the axis of aggre
In Georgia, the ruling Georgian Dream party pride themselves on being the guardians of true Georgian values and culture. They are the only ones who can safeguard Georgian heritage against the radical foreign backed opposition protestors threatening the Georgian way of life.
Of course, it's total bullshit. This is why tomorrow the traditional Khorumi dancers of Georgia are marching on parliament where they will perform this most ancient and beautiful Georgian dance of defiance.
In Georgia, the protests and marches continue, along with the diversity of the protestors . Today's schedule includes the Gurians, fathers, gamers, medics, parents and basketball players.
Also, it's been confirmed the gamers are not doing a virtual march but they're actually leaving the house. It's that important!
Protests outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia have been happening every single night for 3 weeks now, and they show no signs of stopping.
They're already making plans for New Year's Eve, and legitimate President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvilli has just announced she will be joining them.
Oh, and keep an eye out for the 29th - it's singles night at the protests. I'm not even joking.
"The UK has sanctioned five senior individuals responsible for violent attacks against journalists and peaceful protestors in Georgia, in coordinated action with the United States.
Georgia’s authorities began a systematic crackdown on demonstrations, civil society, media and opposition figures following public opposition to Georgian Dream’s decision to pause the country’s move towards a European future."
Finally, the U.K. has sanctioned five Georgian officials directly responsible for the violent crackdown on protests. It includes the Minister of Internal Affairs.
Vakhtang Gomelauri - Minister of Internal Affairs
Aleksandre Darakhvelidze - Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs
Sulkhan Tamazashvili - Tbilisi Police Department Director
Zviad Kharazishvili - Chief of the Special Tasks Department
Mileri Lagazauri - Deputy Head of the Special Tasks Department
The U.K. government sanctions against Georgian officials is also in coordination with the U.S.
Presumably the U.S. will be sanctioning the same officials, but they haven't yet made their announcement.
In Georgia, protestors have been reclaiming the civic space from the illegitimate government in so many different and creative ways.
Even the New Year's Eve celebrations in Tbilisi have been transformed into a Magical New Year's Eve Protest with legitimate President Salome Zourabichvilli as guest of honour!
Her term ends on 29th December. But that's just according to the government. The people are saying she stays president until new elections happen.
Just in case you're wondering why the Georgians are so certain their government are illegitimate and the last election was rigged, it's because of all the evidence....
The U.S. has issued Magnitsky sanctions against Georgia's Minister of Internal Affairs, Vakhtang Gomelauri and Deputy Head of the Special Task Department, Mirza Kezevadze.
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning two Georgian officials from Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs which has engaged in brutal crackdowns on media members, opposition figures, and protesters — including during demonstrations throughout 2024. These officials are being sanctioned under Executive Order (E.O.) 13818 (Global Magnitsky), following the September 16, 2024 sanctions of two other Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs officials. This action was coordinated with the United Kingdom, which today designated five individuals responsible for human rights violations in Georgia.“In the wake of Georgia’s election, key officials in the Ministry of Internal Affairs engaged in a severe and vicious crackdown against their own people, including the intentional targeting of journalists and use of violence,” said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. “The United States remains committed to holding accountable those who seek to limit the rights of their citizens and undermine fundamental freedoms — in Georgia and around the world.”georgian officials OVERSEEING PROTEST CRACKDOWNSIn late November 2024, mass protests erupted across the country in response to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement that Georgia would suspend talks on accession to the European Union. Security forces from the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Special Task Department responded to protests with disproportionate violence to suppress dissent and discourage protesters. The Special Task Department utilized tactics including mass beatings, verbal abuse, and threats of sexual violence. Police violence by members of the Special Task Department occurred while individuals were in police custody, in detention, and at locations outside the protest area. The Special Task Department also deliberately targeted journalists as they reported on the violence and repeatedly abused detained protesters.During protests prior to the May 2024 passage of the “foreign influence law,” the Special Task Department also violently targeted political opposition leaders, journalists, and youth activists who were peacefully expressing their views. The Special Task Department perpetrated violence, including through brutal beatings of peaceful protesters. The violence perpetrated by the Special Task Department was overseen by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Vakhtang Gomelauri (Gomelauri), and a Deputy Head of the Special Task Department, Mirza Kezevadze (Kezevadze), in addition to those designated by OFAC on September 16, 2024.Gomelauri and Kezevadze are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13818 for being foreign persons who are or have been, leaders or officials of an entity, including any government entity, that has engaged in, or whose members have engaged in, serious human rights abuse related to the leader’s or official’s tenure.SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONSAs a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. U.S. persons may face civil or criminal penalties for violations of E.O. 13818. Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions. OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC’s enforcement of U.S. sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation.In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC’s Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click hereGLOBAL MAGNITSKYBuilding upon the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, E.O. 13818 was issued on December 20, 2017, in recognition that the prevalence of human rights abuse and corruption that have their source, in whole or in substantial part, outside the United States, had reached such scope and gravity as to threaten the stability of international political and economic systems. Human rights abuse and corruption undermine the values that form an essential foundation of stable, secure, and functioning societies; have devastating impacts on individuals; weaken democratic institutions; degrade the rule of law; perpetuate violent conflicts; facilitate the activities of dangerous persons; and undermine economic markets. The United States seeks to impose tangible and significant consequences on those who commit serious human rights abuse or engage in corruption, as well as to protect the financial system of the United States from abuse by these same persons.Click here for more information on the individuals designated today.###
Somewhere in Georgia there's a poor admin worker trying to keep up with this post from Free Business Georgia. It's a statement from businesses calling for new elections and the end of detaining protestors.
There are about 1500 businesses already signed up, and over 1000 businesses waiting for their signature to be verified. And they just don't stop.
With enough social solidarity, this sort of action can be pretty effective. But it has to be hardcore - nobody talks to them, serves them in shops, provides them any services at all. It has to include any family who don't actively oppose them. And anyone who breaks the boycott is a scab, and gets boycotted in turn.
Trouble is, most societies struggle with that sort of solidarity, and the mutual aid it requires for those who lose out financially.
A bit of history excerpted from Wikipedia, for those who aren't familiar:
The word boycott entered the English language during the Irish "Land War" and derives from Captain Charles Boycott, the land agent of an absentee landlord.
Despite the short-term economic hardship to those undertaking this action, Boycott soon found himself isolated – his workers stopped work in the fields and stables, as well as in his house. Local businessmen stopped trading with him, and the local postman refused to deliver mail.
The concerted action taken against him meant that Boycott was unable to hire anyone to harvest his crops in his charge.
The Daily News wrote on December 13, 1880: "Already the stoutest-hearted are yielding on every side to the dread of being 'Boycotted'."
Yeah, every situation is different. Although I see a lot of fascists getting de-anonymised these days, what with facial recognition and ubiquitous cameras.
Just to be clear, I'm not criticising the Georgian protestors here - I think it's great, and I hope it spreads and is successful!
Someone must know who repairs their vehicles. Or just where they buy fuel. And they won't be able to go long without food or drink!
They're working on it. There was a leaked list from the government with some names on. They were all publically shamed on Facebook to the point where they had to delete their accounts.
@ProjectFearlessness @RhinosWorryMe
You just described the police in the TV show adaptation of The Watchmen! :o
How's that for dystopian?
There are so many ways to creatively express civil disobedience!
In Georgia (the country), catering firms won't feed riot police...
Societies are cooperative ventures.
Hit them in the pocketbooks. That will get their attention.
ProjectFearlessness
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