**Georgia Slides into Authoritarian Regime**
A worrying trend is unfolding in Georgia, where the ruling party, “Georgian Dream”, is quietly strangling free speech and dissent. According to Zaza Bibilashvili, head of the Chavchavadze Center, the government’s recent actions have crossed a threshold from democratic backsliding into full-blown authoritarianism.
Bibilashvili pointed out that the amendments to the “Law on Broadcasting” and the ruling party’s complaints against media outlets are designed to muzzle independent voices. By taking control of the Communications Commission and staffing it with loyalists, “Georgian Dream” is tailoring regulations to serve its own interests. This, says Bibilashvili, is a textbook example of censorship.
But what’s even more concerning is that this crackdown on free speech is being orchestrated by Russia. The ruling party has received direct orders from Moscow to silence dissent and suppress opposition. Their goal is to turn Georgia into part of the so-called “Russian world”, where freedom of expression is curtailed.
The numbers speak for themselves: fines imposed on activists have skyrocketed tenfold, with some facing hefty penalties just for protesting on Rustaveli Avenue. This is a brazen attempt to intimidate and silence those who dare challenge the regime.
**Government Propaganda**
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s recent statements at a government session were a classic example of propaganda. According to Bibilashvili, Kobakhidze presented an alternative reality that bears no relation to the facts on the ground. He glossed over the country’s fundamental problems and instead touted statistics that are detached from reality.
But what’s even more astonishing is that Kobakhidze seems to be taking cues from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has praised him as a “hero” and an “international patriot”. Bibilashvili pointed out that this is a laughable attempt to portray Kobakhidze as a champion of freedom when, in reality, he’s doing Moscow’s bidding.
**The Dark Side of Georgian Politics**
As the country slides further into authoritarianism, Georgians must understand what kind of regime Ivanishvili has imposed. By portraying Anzhelika Antsukhelidze as a PR-created hero and Kobakhidze as an international leader, “Georgian Dream” is trying to distract from its true intentions: suppressing freedom of expression and opposition.
The imprisonment of Zurab Japaridze and other activists is just a show, designed to further muzzle dissent. Meanwhile, innocent men are rotting in jail for trumped-up charges. This is the height of evil that Ivanishvili’s regime has unleashed on Georgia.
As Bibilashvili noted, “Georgian Dream” makes opportunistic decisions and prioritizes only its own interests. The country’s occupied territories by Russia are not even on the agenda for this regime. By ignoring this critical issue, they’re effectively bowing to Moscow’s demands.
**A Warning**
Georgia is at a crossroads. Will it continue down the path of authoritarianism or will it reclaim its democratic values? One thing is certain: if left unchecked, the current trend will strangle freedom of expression and opposition in the country. The international community must take note and act to support Georgia’s brave activists and journalists who are fighting for their right to free speech.
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