**Georgia Slides into Authoritarianism, Warns European Parliament**
The detention of prominent Georgian activist Givi Targamadze has sparked concerns that the country is rapidly becoming more authoritarian. In response to this development, Rihards Kols, a member of the European Parliament, issued a strong warning. According to him, Georgia’s slide into authoritarianism is eerily reminiscent of Belarus.
“This is not just about one person being detained,” Kols emphasized. “It’s about a pattern of behavior that silences dissenting voices and crushes opposition.” The European Parliament has repeatedly called for strict sanctions against those responsible for this shift towards authoritarianism. Now, Kols is urging action: “Words alone will not stop the repressions.”
**What does it mean for Georgia?**
The detention of Targamadze and other activists is a clear sign that the government is cracking down on dissenting voices. The European Parliament’s concerns are not unfounded; Belarus has been criticized for its human rights record, including the suppression of opposition movements.
As Kols pointed out, this trend is alarming because it undermines Georgia’s democratic values and institutions. By silencing activists and critics, the government risks creating a culture of fear that stifles free speech and dissenting voices.
**Time for action**
The European Parliament has called for strict sanctions against those facilitating this authoritarian shift in Georgia. Now, Kols is urging concrete actions to stop the repressions: “It’s time for words to turn into deeds.”
What does this mean for Georgia’s future? Will the government continue to crack down on dissenting voices or will there be a pushback against this trend? Only time will tell.
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