**Georgian Activist Stripped of Citizenship After Confrontation with Ruling Party MPs**
Lasha Gabitashvili, a prominent figure in Georgia’s anti-regime protests, has been stripped of his Georgian citizenship by the Public Service Hall. The decision comes after Gabitashvili acquired Israeli citizenship through marriage and applied to retain his Georgian nationality.
In a video posted on Facebook, Gabitashvili expressed outrage over the decision, claiming that it was yet another malicious move by the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party. “Despite being born and raised in Georgia, and having lived and worked here all my life, the Public Service Hall decided not to continue my citizenship,” he said.
Gabitashvili’s troubles with the GD began earlier this year when he got into a physical altercation with three MPs – Viktor Sanikidze, Irakli Zarkua, and Gela Samkharauli – at a hotel in Abu Dhabi. The brawl occurred after Gabitashvili verbally assaulted the MPs, calling them “slaves.” He had previously confronted Zarkua over the detention of activists in Batumi.
The incident was just one of many attacks on outspoken critics of the GD party and civil society activists since the pro-EU protests began. Many have faced physical assaults, verbal harassment, and threats from unidentified masked individuals, fueling concerns about an increasingly hostile environment for dissent in Georgia.
**A Pattern of Intimidation**
Gabitashvili’s experience is not unique. Several other critics of the GD party have been attacked or intimidated since the protests started. The wave of violence has raised alarms about the government’s willingness to silence its opponents.
The decision to strip Gabitashvili of his citizenship has sparked outrage among opposition groups and human rights organizations. Many see it as a clear attempt by the GD to intimidate and silence critics, rather than a legitimate application process.
**A Deeper Analysis**
The stripping of Gabitashvili’s citizenship raises questions about the government’s commitment to democratic values and human rights. By taking away his nationality, the Public Service Hall is effectively silencing one of the most vocal critics of the GD party.
This move also highlights the increasingly hostile environment for dissent in Georgia. The repeated attacks on activists and opposition figures demonstrate a clear willingness by the government to use violence and intimidation to maintain its grip on power.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Gabitashvili will react to the decision. Will he continue to speak out against the GD party, or will this latest development silence him? Only time will tell.
**A Continuing Story**
The saga of Lasha Gabitashvili and his confrontation with the Georgian Dream party is far from over. As the situation continues to develop, one thing is certain: the fight for democracy and human rights in Georgia will not be silenced anytime soon.
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