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."

#GeorgiaProtests

"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."

#StandWithGeorgia

https://news.err.ee/1609551817/estonia-adds-another-14-georgian-officials-judges-to-sanctions-list

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.

Eesti Rahvusringhääling | ERR

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

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."

#Georgia.

https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/33239050.html

IPM: მოსახლეობის 65% მხარს უჭერს საპროტესტო აქციებს

IPM-მა ქვეყანაში მიმდინარე მოვლენებთან დაკავშირებით საზოგადოებრივი აზრის კვლევა ჩაატარა.

რადიო თავისუფლება

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

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?

#StandWithGeorgia

https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/12/14/who-is-mikheil-kavelashvili-georgias-new-president

Who is Mikheil Kavelashvili, Georgia's new president?

53-year-old former Manchester City football player Mikheil Kavelashvili has become Georgia's new president. #EuropeNews

euronews

"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.

#StandWithGeorgia

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!

#SanctionGeorgia

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

"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...)

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithRussia

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.”

#SanctionGeorgia

https://www.firstpost.com/world/eu-foreign-ministers-fail-to-agree-on-sanctions-against-georgian-authorities-13844892.html#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=17343444274664&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.firstpost.com%2Fworld%2Feu-foreign-ministers-fail-to-agree-on-sanctions-against-georgian-authorities-13844892.html

EU foreign ministers fail to agree on sanctions against Georgian authorities

Georgia’s authorities have forcefully clamped down on pro-EU demonstrators taking to the streets in recent weeks to protest the government’s decision to shelve its push to join the bloc

Firstpost

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/

ლაზერი, ნიღაბი და სხვა ცვლილებები | რა შეიცვალა ადმინისტრაციულ კოდექსში

პუბლიკა - ინფორმირებული არჩევანისათვის

პუბლიკა

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

"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.

#SanctionGeorgia

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'.

#SanctionGeorgia

https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/12/16/hungary-and-slovakia-veto-eu-sanctions-on-georgian-officials-as-protests-continue

Hungary and Slovakia veto EU sanctions on Georgian officials

The sanctions proposed by Kaja Kallas targeted state officials of Georgia involved in the repression of pro-European demonstrations. #EuropeNews

euronews

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

Protestors in Tbilisi, Georgia made a point of stopping outside the Hungarian Embassy today as Orban followed up on his promise to veto all the proposed EU sanctions against Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
#SanctionGeorgia

In Tbilisi, Georgia, The Battle Of The Christmas Tree continues.

#GeorgiaProtests

In a bid to pretend everything is normal in Tbilisi, Georgia, the authorities have turned on the Christmas lights, hoping the festive atmosphere will distract from the huge nightly protests.

It's not really having the desired effect. Now we can better see the thousands of people gather nightly around parliament.

It's the same protests, but with a cheery festive glow.

#GeorgiaProtests

In Tbilisi, Georgia today it's the turn of the hospitality workers to march on parliament in protest against the illegitimate government.

What's on the menu today, Chef?

Starter: Free all unjustly arrested.

Main Course: Free and fair elections

Dessert: European Integration

#GeorgiaProtests

"Tina Bokuchava, leader of one of Georgia's main opposition parties, the United National Movement (UNM), has said targeted sanctions by the European Union would "mount tremendous pressure" on Georgian state institutions involved in the crackdown on pro-EU protestors in the capital Tbilisi.

"We also count on the west standing by the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Georgian people and moving beyond statements of concern to concrete actions against this government."

https://www.rte.ie/news/2024/1217/1486947-georgia-tina-bokuchava-opposition-protests/

In Georgia, more than 500 companies have signed a statement demanding re-elections and the release of individuals arrested during the protests.

The companies are across a variety of industries, and include some big names: CocaCola, McDonald's, GPI holding, PSP, Magticom, and Spar.

Via Publika Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests

"If we do not do enough to support the Georgian people at their greatest hour of need, it will only feed into the Russian narrative that, when push comes to shove, the West cannot be trusted, and that the only option for countries like Georgia is to reconcile themselves to Moscow.

Reclaiming Georgia will give Putin a nice “consolation prize” for his losses in Syria, and a potential bargaining chip in negotiations with the West over Ukraine."

Alexandra Hall Hall.

https://bylinetimes.com/2024/12/17/the-west-will-regret-abandoning-the-georgian-people-to-the-clutches-of-russia/

The West Will Regret Abandoning the Georgian People to the Clutches of Russia

Europe and the US must wake up to the threat posed by Georgia's repressive Russian-aligned regime, writes the UK's former ambassador to the country

Byline Times

"A number of our interlocutors voiced concern that Georgia was falling victim to the same Russian methods as Lukashenka’s regime has employed in Belarus.

Our mission felt that darkness was descending on this beleaguered but freedom-loving country. The West has a responsibility to act before it is too late."

Statement on Georgia,
McCain Institute,
U.S.

#GeorgiaProtests

https://www.mccaininstitute.org/resources/press-releases/mccain-institute-leads-post-election-mission-to-tbilisi-georgia/

McCain Institute Leads Post-Election Mission to Tbilisi, Georgia - McCain Institute

The McCain Institute organized an assessment mission to Tbilisi, Georgia, December 9-13, to meet with a diverse cross-section of Georgian society.

McCain Institute

In Tbilisi, Georgia, the universities are taking a turn marching to parliament to demand an end to the illegitimate government.

This sign is 🔥

#GeorgiaProtests
#ProtectDemocracy

This is Tbilisi, Georgia and yet another section of civil society is on a march to parliament to protest against the illegitimate government.

'Historians - on the right side of history!'

#GeorgiaProtests

This is Tbilisi, Georgia, and the University Society march on parliament.
Imperial College, Cambridge, U.K. is represented here. Since 2015, hundreds of Georgians have received Chevening scholarships to study in the U.K. as part of the Wardrop programme. This has been suspended by the U.K. in light of recent events in Georgia.

There's a lot on the line in Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests

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!

#GeorgiaProtests

“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.

#StandWithGeorgia

https://civil.ge/archives/646004

President Zurabishvili’s Address at the European Parliament

On December 18, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili addressed the European Parliament on the violations of the October 26 elections, the pro-Russian steps taken by the ruling Georgian Dream party,

Civil Georgia

"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.

#StandWithGeorgia

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.”

#GeorgiaProtests

"Anti Russian Uprising !"

In Georgia, anti government protests are, quite literally, everywhere. This is washing hung out to dry in Batumi.

#GeorgiaProtests

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?

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

‘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.

#StandWithGeorgia

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20241217IPR26009/georgia-president-zourabichvili-calls-on-eu-to-step-up-and-defend-its-values

Georgia: President Zourabichvili calls on EU to step up and defend its values | News | European Parliament

On Wednesday morning, the President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili delivered a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

"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

https://civil.ge/archives/646323

Helsinki Commission: If GD Prevails in Seizing Power, Georgia Will Turn into Power Projection Venue for Autocrats

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

Civil Georgia

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

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!

#GeorgiaProtests

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.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

"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."

#SanctionGeorgia

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-sanctions-georgian-officials-responsible-for-brutal-crackdown-on-media-and-protestors

UK sanctions Georgian officials responsible for brutal crackdown on media and protestors

The UK has designated five Georgian officials for serious human rights violations.

GOV.UK

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

#SanctionGeorgia
#GeorgiaProtests

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.

#SanctionGeorgia

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

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....

#GeorgiaProtests

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.

#SanctionGeorgia
#GeorgiaProtests

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2759

Treasury Sanctions Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs Officials for Brutality Against Protesters, Journalists, and Politicians

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.###

U.S. Department of the Treasury

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.

#GeorgiaProtests

https://freebusiness.ge/

Free Business

თავისუფალი ბიზნესების პლატფორმა

The illegitimate Georgian government has responded to U.S. and U.K. sanctions in typical illegitimate Georgian government style.

The sanctioned Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri has been promoted to Deputy Prime Minister, and the sanctioned heads of the police command have all been given the Award of Honour.

If it sounds like a ludicrous bravado move which the Russians would do, that's because it is.

#SanctionGeorgia

https://civil.ge/archives/646816

Sanctioned Interior Minister Appointed as Vice-PM, as MIA Blames Protesters for Violence

On December 20, GD Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze appointed Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri - an official sanctioned the day earlier by the U.S., as well as by the U.K., Ukraine, Lithuania, Est

Civil Georgia

Council of Europe head Alain Berset concludes his visit to Georgia.

“I am not here to legitimize elections, that is the responsibility of other competent institutions.The key reason of my visit was to meet with everyone, as dialogue is the cornerstone of any functional democracy.”

#Georgia

https://civil.ge/archives/646920

CoE’s Secretary General: GD Promised to Amend Foreign Agents’ Law

On December 20, Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, concluded his three-day visit to Georgia with a press conference at which he unexpectedly announced that he received a promise

Civil Georgia

Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, has been on a 3 day visit to Georgia.

His visit has gone down really badly with Georgians. While the legitimacy or otherwise of the recent elections is not within his remit, they feel he could have done and said a lot more to criticise the government and their democratic backsliding.

Georgians feel that all his visit has actually done is give legitimacy to an illegitimate government. This was a diplomatic failure.

#GeorgiaProtests

"Let me say this one more time, louder this time: Georgians have been in the streets since November 28 to repeal the Russian puppet regime, not just the Russian law. End of story."

Anna Gvarishvili,
Georgian journalist.

#GeorgiaProtests

EU propose visa restrictions on Georgian government officials.

"Today we are taking action to hold Georgian authorities accountable for the violent repression of peaceful protests. This sends a clear message to the Georgian authorities that they cannot repress opposition voices or curtail freedom of expression without consequences."

Kaja Kallas,
EU Foreign Affairs.

#SanctionGeorgia

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_6547

"Georgia's so called PM Kobakhidze now says the state will compensate all financial losses of the U.S. and U.K. sanctioned persons.

This is a defiant, open anti-American & anti-British stance and disregard to human rights, but also an attempt to prevent regime defections in fear of sanctions. Which means that sanctions have a serious potential to work, and we need more of them."

Marika Mikiashvili,
Georgia.

#SanctionGeorgia

@ProjectFearlessness

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'."

@RhinosWorryMe
Yes, but it's more complicated in Georgia. The term riot police is a bit misleading. The forces 'policing' the protests aren't attached to any police force, have no identification, wear masks at all times, and nobody really knows who they are. So shunning them individually is not possible.

@ProjectFearlessness

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!

@RhinosWorryMe

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?

@ProjectFearlessness

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.

@ProjectFearlessness Amazing! Is there a source for this news? I could not find something in English but maybe in Georgian?
@ProjectFearlessness The lesson: don't piss off the people who feed you.