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."
"Estonia has expanded its original sanctions list of 11 Georgian officials to include another 14 high-ranking officials, judges as well as the prime minister of Georgia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Sunday.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna signed a directive serving as the basis for Estonia sanctioning another 14 Georgian officials and judges, including Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze."
https://news.err.ee/1609551817/estonia-adds-another-14-georgian-officials-judges-to-sanctions-list
Estonia has expanded its original sanctions list of 11 Georgian officials to include another 14 high-ranking officials, judges as well as the prime minister of Georgia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Sunday.
In Georgia, the lighting of the Christmas tree was a power move by the ruling Georgian Dream party.
To hold a ceremony and light the tree in the very spot outside parliament where protests had been ongoing for weeks would have sent a powerful message.
So the fact they bottled out last night and cancelled the event, at the last minute, though they had thousands of riot police in place, is a huge PR loss.
Amateur dictatorships don't last.
Georgia- Polling shows huge loss of support for ruling party.
"When asked, in today's reality, who do you support, the opposition or the "Georgian Dream"? - 65% of the population chooses the opposition, while only 22% of respondents name the "Georgian Dream".
The survey also shows that 65% of the population supports the protests. The research organization also notes that the protest sentiment is higher among young people aged 18-34, with 76% supporting it."
In Georgia, every section of society is protesting against the illegitimate government.
And, really, it's every section of society. It's become fun to see which section comes next.
Yesterday, among many others, there were protests by extreme sports fans and alpinists.
Today we have the art restorers and later a joint march between the Tbilisi section of F.C. Barcelona and Real Madrid fans.
The opposition in Georgia is united in so many ways.
Mikheil Kavelashvili was 'voted' in as President of Georgia yesterday in a move which is seen as illegitimate by many. Many politicians and leaders globally yesterday reaffirmed that current president Salome Zourabichvilli is still the only legitimate leader in Georgia
So far, the only countries who have acknowledged the Kavelashvili presidency are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia.
Are you spotting the pattern yet?
https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/12/14/who-is-mikheil-kavelashvili-georgias-new-president
"Lithuania stands with the people of Georgia and their European dream.
In coordination with Estonia, we have expanded the list of sanctioned Georgian politicians by adding 17 more individuals, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
We will not tolerate the violence& oppression against peaceful protesters, journalists and the opposition.
It's time for joint EU level action now."
Kestutis Budris,
Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Lithuania.
Lithuania and Estonia have imposed more sanctions on Georgia, including the Georgian PM Khobakidze.
This is in addition to sanctions already imposed by Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and Ukraine last week.
These countries are not waiting for a consensus or whatever it is the other countries in the world are waiting for.
It's past time for the world to react to the impending dictatorship in Georgia.
Sanctions. Now!
In Georgia, F.C. Barcelona and Real Madrid fans have put their differences to one side and joined together in a march against the illegitimate government.
Footballing rivalries don't get much more heated than Barcelona and Real Madrid. They hate each other, but they hate the Georgian government even more.
In Tbilisi, Georgia, this is the march of internally displaced people.
These are people who have already lost their homes in Abkhazia and South Ossetia due to the ongoing Russian occupation of those regions of Georgia.
They are determined not to lose the whole country to Russia.
Also in Tbilisi, Georgia, the march of painters and other artists are heading for parliament.
They've gone for a minimalist approach. The flag says simply:
Elections.
Again in Tbilisi, Georgia, this is the march of the Election Observers. They are marching to parliament under the banner:
"We Demand New Elections"
Read that again, slowly. This is Georgia now.
Today in Georgia we've seen artists and painters, Barcelona and Real Madrid fans, art historians and restorers, internally displaced people, and election observers all having separate protest marches on parliament.
Every section of Georgian society is protesting against the government
Tomorrow in Georgia it's the turn of the Grandparents. They're marching for their grandchildren's European future.
Georgian society is becoming unstoppable.
Popular Georgian folk band the Trio Mandili have been entered into the 'debate' over whether Georgian integration into Europe will threaten the traditional Georgian way of life.
American right wing nob Jackson Hinckle used their photo on Twitter as an example of traditional Georgian culture. Trio Mandili quickly responded on community notes to say they welcome Georgia's integration into the E.U. and have even been at many of the Pro EU protests in Georgia recently.
LOL.
"We are having an unusual Russian winter in Georgia but we will have a Georgian spring !!!"
Salome Zourabichvilli,
President of Georgia.
(Talking about the weather. Maybe...)
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Monday Brussels had put forward a list of Georgians to sanction over a crackdown on pro-Western protesters, but Hungary was set to block the measures.
“We have proposed the list for sanctions for these people who are… using really force and violence against the opposition,” Kallas said ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers.
“But everybody needs to agree to the list, and we are not there yet.”
In Georgia, the illegitimate government has been in power for just 10 days.
They have wasted no time in passing a head spinning amount of repressive laws primarily aimed at crushing protests on the street, and any dissent within the civil service.
They've even passed a law on 'Preventive Detention' so they are able to detain anyone who they think might be about to commit a crime.
If it sounds like Minority Report, that's because it is exactly like Minority Report.
https://publika.ge/lazeri-nighabi-da-skhva-cvlilebebi-ra-sheicvala-administraciul-kodeqsshi/
In Tbilisi, Georgia, today there is another full programme of protests from different sections of civil society.
Today it's the turn of couriers, local neighbourhood associations, grandparents, filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts, literary figures, and Airbnb hosts to make the point that every section of society in Georgia are against the illegitimate government.
Under huge pressure from weeks of massive protests, the Georgian government are now being reasonable.
Well, they're trying, but the gaslighting is baked in.
The Grandparents march in Tbilisi, Georgia is underway. They're marching to parliament to demand that their grandchildren's future is in the E.U.
"Today I reiterated in the clearest terms to Georgian Dream representative Maka Botshorishvili that police violence and arbitrary arrests in Georgia are unacceptable.
The UK will consider all options to ensure those responsible are held accountable."
Stephen Doughty,
Minister for European Affairs,
U.K.
In the E.U. Foreign Affairs Council meeting, the proposed sanctions against Georgia have just been vetoed by Hungary and Slovakia.
The next E.U. move against Georgia is
visa restrictions, which just need a majority vote.
Sanctions from individual countries are being discussed by Germany, France and Poland and others in the E.U. in a 'coalition of the willing'.
Outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia, the Christmas tree has been lit up tonight without a ceremony as there are still too many protestors outside parliament.
Georgians aren't too bothered either way. All they want for Christmas is a new government.
Powerful summary of what's happening in Georgia (the country) now - this is just one snapshot:
"In Georgia, F.C. Barcelona and Real Madrid fans have put their differences to one side and joined together in a march against the illegitimate government.
Footballing rivalries don't get much more heated than Barcelona and Real Madrid. They hate each other, but they hate the Georgian government even more."
Says it all...
Thanks for the comprehensive write up. 🙂
I'm glad you are! Relaying what the Georgians write elsewhere, so we can read about it... & I agree about the lack of coverage. And how important what is happening there is.
ProjectFearlessness
Su_G