The Intelligence from The Economist The Weekend Intelligence: Georgia... the day after tomorrow
May 25, 2024
Heidi Pett, a correspondent who reported from Tbilisi, and Gia Japerica, a pro-democracy activist and former Georgian diplomat, shed light on Georgia's turbulent political landscape. They discuss the controversial foreign agents law, likened to Russian legislation, and the resulting protests fueled by fear and violent backlash against dissenters. The conversation highlights the emotional toll on activists, the struggle for freedom, and the urgent call for support to resist authoritarian influences while aspiring for closer ties with the West.
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Attack on Dimitri Cicuvani
- Dimitri Cicuvani, an opposition figure, was attacked and beaten by masked men.
- He suffered a broken nose, cheekbones, concussion, and bruises.
Attack on Gia Japerica
- Gia Japerica, a pro-democracy activist, was attacked and beaten after receiving threatening phone calls.
- The attackers questioned his opposition to the "Russian law" while assaulting him.
Georgia's Political Climate
- Georgia's political climate is tense, with rumors of government ties to Russia and suppression of dissent.
- The government blames a "Global War Party" for trying to involve Georgia in the Ukraine war.