**Dictatorship Established in Georgia: Civil Rights Groups Sound Alarm**
In a stark warning, civil rights groups in Georgia are claiming that the country has effectively become a dictatorship. The assertion was made by Tina Khidasheli, founder of the organization Civil Idea, at a recent briefing of non-governmental organizations.
According to Khidasheli, the arrest of Zurab Japaridze, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, is a classic example of political retaliation. She believes that this incident, among others, indicates a worrying trend in which people are being imprisoned for speaking out against the government.
**Increasing Number of Political Prisoners**
Khidasheli pointed out that the number of political prisoners in Georgia is on the rise every day. She argued that individuals who dare to oppose the regime and question its narrative are being silenced through imprisonment. This, she claims, is a hallmark of a dictatorship.
**Japaridze’s Imprisonment: A Wake-Up Call**
The arrest of Japaridze, an incumbent political leader, has sent shockwaves across the country. Khidasheli stressed that this incident is significant not only for Georgia but also for the international community. She warned that if left unchecked, this trend could have far-reaching consequences.
**A First in Georgian History**
What makes Japaridze’s case particularly noteworthy is that he is an incumbent politician. This means that, for the first time in Georgian history, a member of parliament has been imprisoned. Khidasheli implied that this sets a disturbing precedent and highlights the dangers of unchecked power.
**The Path to Tyranny**
Khidasheli warned that if people are not held accountable for their actions, anyone can be summoned, questioned, and imprisoned without due process. She compared the situation to a regime where citizens have no protection from arbitrary arrest and detention. This, she emphasized, is a characteristic of a dictatorship.
**A Call to Action**
In conclusion, Khidasheli made it clear that the establishment of a dictatorship in Georgia began on May 22, 2025. She urged everyone to take note of this date and remember the warning signs of tyranny.
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