**Georgia in Crisis: Police Crackdown on Activists**
A tense scene is unfolding in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, as a large number of police have been deployed to the house of Nanuka Zhorzholiani, a prominent activist and founder of the Nanuka Foundation. The Prosecutor’s Office is conducting a search at her residence, with supporters, colleagues, and politicians gathered on the scene.
As reported by Nika Gvaramia, leader of the Coalition for Change, this situation is nothing short of “repression.” Gvaramia’s statement was made in response to the widespread arrests that have been taking place since morning. The activist noted that these individuals were brought from America and told not to return if they wanted to promote democracy in Georgia.
**”Georgia Is Belarus”**
In a striking commentary, Nika Gvaramia stated, “We should forget this phrase: ‘Georgia is not Belarus.’ Georgia is Belarus.” This assertion highlights the growing concern among activists that the country’s democratic values are being eroded. The contrast between Georgia and neighboring Belarus, where authoritarian rule prevails, has been a frequent point of reference in Georgian politics.
**Confrontations with Local Residents**
Law enforcement officers have cordoned off Nanuka Zhorzholiani’s residential building, preventing local residents from entering the area. Verbal confrontations have erupted between police and citizens as a result. This scene is eerily reminiscent of similar incidents where activists were targeted by the authorities.
**Other Searches Underway**
The search at Mariam Bajelidze’s house has been completed, with representatives from the Prosecutor’s Office arriving at her residence early in the morning. A parallel search is underway at Aleko Tskitishvili’s home, who serves as the head of the Human Rights Center.
**What Does This Mean for Georgia?**
The situation unfolding in Tbilisi raises serious questions about the state of democracy and human rights in Georgia. The mobilization of police to suppress peaceful activists and their supporters is a concerning development that warrants attention from local and international observers alike. As Nika Gvaramia’s statement suggests, it seems that the authorities are becoming increasingly intolerant of dissenting voices.
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