The Rise of Authoritarianism in Georgia: A Threat to Democracy
The Spark That Ignited the Protests: The "Foreign Agents" Bill
In recent years, Georgia has witnessed a troubling shift towards authoritarian governance, marked by the introduction of contentious legislation that has ignited widespread protests. The catalyst for this unrest was the "foreign agents" bill, which critics argue mirrors Russian policies designed to stifle dissent. Initially introduced two years ago, the bill aimed to compel media and organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "agents of foreign influence," under threat of fines. This move was met with fierce resistance, as tens of thousands of Georgians took to the streets, forcing the government into a humiliating retreat.
Crackdown on Dissent: A Government’s Hardened Stance
However, the government’s retreat was short-lived. Reviving the bill last year, Georgian Dream, the ruling party, pressed on despite vehement opposition, culminating in the bill’s approval in May. This decision was followed by a harsh crackdown on dissent, with mass arrests and the deployment of water cannons against protesters. The government’s actions have been marked by brutality, with reports of beatings and torture of detainees, as documented by Amnesty International. The presence of masked, unidentified men during protests has further escalated tensions, casting a shadow over the rule of law in Georgia.
Silencing the Press: Attacks on Media Freedom
The government’s assault on democracy has extended to the media, with independent journalists facing increasing persecution. Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, was detained for allegedly assaulting a police officer during a protest, a charge many believe is politically motivated. Her hunger strike, now in its 34th day, has drawn international condemnation, with calls for her immediate release. The International Federation of Journalists has urged the Georgian government to cease its crackdown on independent media, highlighting the precarious state of press freedom in the country.
Bidzina Ivanishvili: The Power Behind the Throne
Central to Georgia’s political landscape is Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire founder of Georgian Dream, who has been accused of steering the country towards authoritarianism. Despite no longer holding public office, Ivanishvili is believed to exert significant control over the government, with critics alleging that his influence is undermining Georgia’s democratic aspirations. His background, having amassed wealth in post-Soviet Russia, has led many to view his policies as aligning with Moscow’s interests, raising concerns about Georgia’s geopolitical trajectory.
Cultural Wars and Divisive Politics
In a bid to consolidate power, Georgian Dream has embraced divisive cultural rhetoric, leveraging issues like gender identity and pride events to galvanize conservative support. This strategy, observers note, is part of a broader effort to align Georgia with Russian values and distance it from Western liberalism. Such tactics, however, resonate less with younger Georgians who view the West as a beacon of progress and Russia as a historical adversary.
The People’s Resilience: Protests and Resistance
Despite the government’s relentless crackdown, Georgian citizens remain steadfast in their resistance. Protests have entered their third month, with demonstrators undeterred by arrests, fines, and violence. For many, the stakes are personal, evoking memories of past conflicts with Russia and a determination to safeguard Georgia’s independence. The resilience of activists like Keren Esebua, who continues to protest despite personal hardship, underscores the deep-seated commitment to democracy and a European future that defines Georgia’s ongoing struggle.
