**Georgia Expels 31 Foreign Nationals**
In a move that has sparked concerns among human rights groups, Georgia’s Interior Ministry announced on June 2 that it had expelled 31 foreign nationals from the country. These individuals were citizens of 13 different countries, including Iran, India, Turkey, and Iraq.
The expulsions are part of a broader effort by the Georgian government to tighten its immigration controls. A legislative package currently being passed by the one-party parliament would allow for the expulsion and re-entry ban of individuals convicted of administrative offenses. This move has raised concerns that foreign participants in ongoing protests in Georgia may be targeted under this new law.
**Concerns Over Targeting Protesters**
The Deputy Interior Minister, Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, presented the legislative package to parliament and drew attention to the presence of foreign nationals at ongoing protests in Georgia. This statement has sparked worries among human rights groups that the government is planning to use these laws to silence dissent and target protesters.
**Background on Immigration Laws**
The Georgian government’s decision to tighten its immigration controls comes as it seeks to strengthen its borders and improve security. However, critics argue that this move also reflects a broader effort by the government to consolidate power and suppress opposition voices. The expulsions of foreign nationals are just one part of a larger legislative package aimed at increasing control over who can enter and stay in Georgia.
**Reaction from Human Rights Groups**
Human rights groups have condemned the expulsions as a worrying sign of a growing trend towards authoritarianism in Georgia. They argue that these laws could be used to target protesters, journalists, and other individuals critical of the government. The Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) has also expressed concerns about the potential impact of these laws on civil liberties.
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