The podcast explores the introduction of a foreign agent law in Georgia, sparking fears of alignment with Putin. Opposition leaders in Tbilisi face violence and uncertainty about the future. The crackdown on civil society raises concerns about democracy and EU aspirations. Activists defy Russian influence, with one activist standing up to Special Forces. The political landscape in Georgia is marked by tensions over controversial legislation and calls for support.
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Quick takeaways
Georgia's opposition fears 'Russian law' as it aligns with Putin, causing concern for personal freedoms.
Activists in Georgia face brutal attacks to suppress dissent against controversial laws, sparking a democratic struggle.
Deep dives
Georgia Faces Struggle with Foreign Influence Legislation
Georgian Dream Party's initiative on transparency of foreign influence law caused chaos in Georgia. The law's origins trace back to scuffles in Parliament and massive protests, reflecting a broader issue linked to Russian-style legislation. The legislation targets civil society, mirroring Russia's 2012 law, constraining NGOs and freedoms.
Activists in Georgia Become Targets Amid Political Upheaval
Activists like Gia Japaridze and David Katsarava faced brutal attacks. Japaridze was ambushed and beaten, while Katsarava was brutally assaulted by masked officers. The attacks, believed to be state-orchestrated, aimed to suppress dissenting voices critical of the government.
Political Climate in Georgia Shifts Towards Controversial Laws
Georgia's political climate grows divisive as laws like the offshore law accompany the foreign agents' bill. The offshore law allows untaxed foreign transfers, attracting concerns about financial havens. The foreign agents' bill expands to target individuals' personal information, reflecting a deep political shift in the country.
Georgia's Path to EU Membership Threatened Amid Political Turmoil
Georgia's aspirations for EU membership face obstacles due to controversial laws like the foreign influence bill. President Salome Zurabishvili's veto, referencing Russian parallels, expresses concern over diverging from European standards. The government's actions spark protests, highlighting a pivotal moment in Georgia's democratic struggle.
The introduction laws cracking down on supposed foreign agents has become a common tactic for autocratic leaders. Activists in Georgia, who oppose the introduction of such a law, refer to theirs as “the Russian law”. They see it as moving their country closer to Putin, and away from the West.
Last week, as Georgia’s parliament prepared to vote on the law, Heidi Pett travelled to Tbilisi, the capital, to meet opposition leaders and find out why they are so afraid. What she discovered was a group being beaten, bruised, and left worried for their personal freedom—wondering, once the dust settles, what the day after tomorrow will bring.
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