Global Voices · Sep 16, 2025

Georgia's Political Turmoil: Intensifying Crackdowns on Dissent

The ruling Georgian Dream party continues its aggressive crackdown on civil society, media, and political opposition.
Western stakeholders, including the EU, are considering sanctions such as suspending visa-free travel and expulsion from the Council of Europe if human rights and reform standards are not met.
The government is using the judiciary to criminalize protest and silence critical voices through arrests and convictions.

On September 2, the Prosecutor General’s Office summoned heads of prominent NGOs for an alleged sabotage investigation; seven organizations have had their bank accounts frozen.
Authorities labeled protective equipment like respiratory masks and goggles as evidence of illegal funding for protesters.
Media repression is escalating: Hungarian journalist László Mézes was assaulted on September 8, and journalists from the outlet Publika were also attacked.
The country has increasingly denied entry to foreign journalists, diplomats, and other international visitors.

On September 2 and 3, courts sentenced multiple protesters to two-to-three-year prison terms for "group violence."
Opposition figure Saba Skhvitaridze was sentenced to two years in prison after a confrontation with an ununiformed officer, often referred to as a "Titushki" (unidentified assailant in black clothing).
A parliamentary commission, established in early 2025 to investigate the former UNM government, is being used to justify the arrest of opposition leaders and support a potential ban on opposition groups.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the MEGOBARI Act, which authorizes sanctions against officials responsible for suppressing democracy.
A joint statement from the EU and numerous European foreign ministers condemned the democratic backsliding in July.
The OSCE and the U.S. State Department have issued reports highlighting the lack of fair trial standards and the deteriorating human rights environment in Georgia.

Global Voices · Sep 16, 2025

The ruling Georgian Dream party continues its aggressive crackdown on civil society, media, and political opposition.
Western stakeholders, including the EU, are considering sanctions such as suspending visa-free travel and expulsion from the Council of Europe if human rights and reform standards are not met.
The government is using the judiciary to criminalize protest and silence critical voices through arrests and convictions.

On September 2, the Prosecutor General’s Office summoned heads of prominent NGOs for an alleged sabotage investigation; seven organizations have had their bank accounts frozen.
Authorities labeled protective equipment like respiratory masks and goggles as evidence of illegal funding for protesters.
Media repression is escalating: Hungarian journalist László Mézes was assaulted on September 8, and journalists from the outlet Publika were also attacked.
The country has increasingly denied entry to foreign journalists, diplomats, and other international visitors.

On September 2 and 3, courts sentenced multiple protesters to two-to-three-year prison terms for "group violence."
Opposition figure Saba Skhvitaridze was sentenced to two years in prison after a confrontation with an ununiformed officer, often referred to as a "Titushki" (unidentified assailant in black clothing).
A parliamentary commission, established in early 2025 to investigate the former UNM government, is being used to justify the arrest of opposition leaders and support a potential ban on opposition groups.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the MEGOBARI Act, which authorizes sanctions against officials responsible for suppressing democracy.
A joint statement from the EU and numerous European foreign ministers condemned the democratic backsliding in July.
The OSCE and the U.S. State Department have issued reports highlighting the lack of fair trial standards and the deteriorating human rights environment in Georgia.

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