**Georgia’s Democratic Backslide: Embassies and Opposition Leaders Speak Out**
The Georgian government is facing growing criticism from the international community over its handling of opposition leaders and foreign nationals. In a statement, the British, Swedish, Norwegian, and Estonian embassies in Tbilisi expressed deep concern over the pre-trial detention of opposition leader Zurab Japaridze. They urged the authorities to uphold democratic values and respect fundamental rights, labeling Japaridze’s detention as a sign of declining democracy in Georgia.
This is not an isolated incident. Grigol Gegelia, a member of the opposition coalition Strong Georgia, was attacked near his parents’ house by an unidentified individual who verbally insulted him before physically assaulting him. The police are investigating the incident since the attacker fled the scene. Gegelia sustained minor head injuries and received medical attention on-site.
The European Union Delegation to Georgia has also been affected by the government’s actions. A member of the delegation was denied entry at Tbilisi International Airport on May 21, with Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze claiming that the incident was due to a “technical problem.” Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned this decision as “arbitrary” and “political,” urging for its reversal.
**Journalists and Activists Targeted**
The denial of entry into Georgia is not an isolated incident. British journalist Will Neal was also denied entry into the country after returning from the UK and the EU, with RSF condemning the decision as a reflection of a broader trend of targeting activists, journalists, and foreign nationals in Georgia.
**Legislative Proposal Raises Concerns**
Georgia’s Public Defender’s Office has voiced objections to a legislative proposal backed by the ruling Georgian Dream government to dismantle the country’s Special Investigation Service (SIS). The Office stressed the need to retain and strengthen the agency’s independence, which was launched in 2022 as an independent investigative body under the 2017-2020 EU-Georgia Association Agenda.
**Extradition of Hate Crime Suspect**
In a separate development, a 21-year-old Georgian national, Michail Chkhikvishvili, also known as “Commander Butcher,” was extradited to the U.S. from Moldova on May 22 to face federal charges in Brooklyn. Arrested in Chișinău in July 2024, he faces a four-count indictment for soliciting violent attacks against Jewish communities and racial minorities.
As Georgia continues to navigate its relationship with the international community, these incidents raise serious concerns about the government’s commitment to democratic values and human rights. Will the Georgian authorities take heed of the criticisms from embassies and opposition leaders, or will they continue down a path that erodes trust with the global community?
