Mar 8: Georgians defend their democracy- protests against the foreign agents' bill
Latest news about the protests in Georgia, commentary and video interview with Nika Gvaramia's wife- Sophie- and his defence lawyer- Tamta Muradashvili- about Nika's illegal incarceration
Georgians for a democratic state
As reported in yesterday’s post, Georgians have taken to the streets to protest against the foreign agents’ law, which passed its first reading in parliament, sustained by the Kremlin-aligned Georgian Dream government. If the bill goes forward, and it is approved, it would further erode Georgia’s democracy, and provide another mechanism to be used against dissidents opposing the government.
This draft, "On Transparency of Foreign Funding", would require any organisations receiving more than 20% of their funding from overseas to register as "foreign agents", or face substantial fines. The draft must be approved by the Venice Commission.
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who wants to veto the law it if crosses her desk, said to the protesters:
"You represent a free Georgia, a Georgia which sees its future in the West, and won't let anyone to take this future away," she said in an address recorded in the United States, where she is on an official visit.
"Nobody needs this law ... everyone who has voted for this law has violated the constitution," she said. Parliament, though, can override her veto.
Statement from the ruling Georgian Dream Party
US Helsinki Commission statement on the Foreign Agents Bill
Read the full statement: Helsinki Commission Leadership Statement on Georgian Foreign Agent Law
European Union: Statement by the High Representative on the adoption of the “foreign influence” law
On Tuesday, the Georgian Parliament adopted the new law on “transparency of foreign influence” in a first reading. This is a very bad development for Georgia and its people.
The law in its current form risks having a chilling effect on civil society and media organisations, with negative consequences for the many Georgians benefiting from their work. This law is incompatible with EU values and standards. It goes against Georgia’s stated objective of joining the European Union, as supported by a large majority of Georgian citizens. Its final adoption may have serious repercussions on our relations.
The European Union urges Georgia to uphold its commitment to the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and human rights, and recalls the right of people to a peaceful protest.
Georgia’s motto: Strength is in Unity
It was absolutely moving to watch the woman in the video facing the police barricade, holding the EU flag, and surrounded by fellow protesters who came to her side to protect her and help her keep the flag up, while the police were pummelling them with water cannons. She and the protesters held their ground. The police also used tear gas, and arrested sixty-six protesters. Police action will not deter them.
Sources in Tbilisi said today that they will continue the protest. Georgians want to be in the European Union, and are protesting because they are fully aware that their government has done everything they can to keep them fully aligned with Russia.
Going back to 2008…
We all remember Russia’s active measures in Ukraine during the 2004 presidential elections and the Russian-orchestrated faux protests in Estonia and the DDoS attack, knocking out Estonian government and civilian websites for weeks. Very few remember that Russian forces have played a significant role in Georgia since 1992, culminating in an invasion of Georgia in 2008.
Sergi Kapanadze, What can the US and EU do to help?
2. Ban those MPs from going to the EU and US and make this decision public;
3. Introduce personal sanctions om Bidzina Ivanishvili - the sole oligarch, his entourage and Irakli Kobakhidze, the oligarch's party chief and mastermind of these anti-European policies;
4. Cancel the official meetings planned with the Georgian Dream leaders until the law is withdrawn and make this decision public;
5. Stop any direct budgetary support to the Georgian Dream government and redirect those funds in support of the CSOs and media;
6. Make it clear that the elections of 2024 will not be considered free and fair unless there is a peaceful transition of power and these undemocratic laws are withdrawn.
EuroFile with Sophie Liluashvili and Tamta Muradashvili
To understand the extent of Russian capture in Georgia, and what it means for Georgians, and their future, please watch this conversation Scott and I had with Sophie Liluashvili- Nika Gvaramia’s wife- and Tamta Muradashvili- Nika’s defence.
Nika was illegally imprisoned on trumped up charges, and the court’s decision and sentencing came in November 2022. The timing is significant because it came days before the European Union’s decision on Georgia’s accession to the EU.
Nika has dedicated his life to Georgia’s democracy, and is a threat to the Kremlin-aligned Georgian Dream party and government.
