In Georgia, journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli has been on a hunger strike for three weeks, deteriorating in health while imprisoned after her arrest during an anti-government protest in January. Amid fears for her life, over 40 people remain jailed amidst a crackdown by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which is accused of stifling dissent. This political upheaval follows their recent parliamentary victory, criticized by opponents for alleged electoral fraud, further aligning Georgia with Russia’s influence rather than its aspirations to join the European Union.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defends the government’s actions, alleging that protesters aim to harm the state and incite a revolution. Recent legislation mirrors restrictive Russian laws aimed at civil rights and the press, prompting widespread condemnation from the European Union and increasing protests. “All of that paints a picture of an aggressive campaign to halt these demonstrations,” stated Alice Jill Edwards, U.N. special rapporteur on torture.
Reports indicate that Amaghlobeli faced physical and verbal abuse by police prior to her arrest, with her lawyer claiming continued mistreatment in custody, which included being denied basic needs. This has drawn urgent pleas for intervention from human rights advocates, including Michael O’Flaherty from the Council of Europe, who labeled her situation as a matter of life and death. As reported by her colleague, the atmosphere created by Amaghlobeli’s arrest instills fear among fellow journalists.
Another prominent figure, actor Andro Chichinadze, highlights the ongoing crackdown against protesters. Arrested for alleged violence during demonstrations, he claims innocence, likening his plight to a character from Kafka’s works. His mother described the absurdity of the charges. Recent police actions have led to further detentions, with many reporting police brutality during their arrests.
As reported, Georgia’s ruling party plans to escalate penalties for protest-related offenses, leading to concerns of an increasingly oppressive environment mirroring tactics used in neighboring Russia. According to Eka Gigauri from Transparency International Georgia, these strategies show the government is emulating the oppressive practices seen in Russia against civic activism, raising alarms about the future of civil liberties in Georgia.
• Over 40 protestors jailed in Georgia amid political unrest following disputed elections. • Mzia Amaghlobeli, a jailed journalist, deteriorates on a 3-week hunger strike. • Prime Minister defends crackdown, alleging revolutionary intents among protestors. • Human rights advocates call for urgent action amid reported abuses. • New measures increase penalties for protest-related offenses, resembling Russian tactics.
The situation in Georgia is alarming as the government intensifies its crackdown on dissent, resulting in the imprisonment of journalists and protesters like Mzia Amaghlobeli and Andro Chichinadze. With rising fears regarding human rights abuses and the erosion of freedoms, observers are concerned that Georgia’s democratic aspirations are being overshadowed by autocratic tendencies reminiscent of its past with Russia.
Original Source: www.ksat.com
