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Georgia's political turmoil remains on full display

September 16, 2025

Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party is intensifying crackdowns on opposition groups, with the government freezing bank accounts of civil society organizations and summoning NGO leaders for investigation. Authorities have detained hundreds of protesters, sentenced numerous individuals to prison terms, and targeted journalists, including a recent assault on Hungarian journalist László Mézes during a Tbilisi rally. The European Commission has warned of potential consequences, including expulsion from the Council of Europe and suspension of visa-free travel, if Georgia fails to implement key reforms, while the U.S. has passed legislation that could lead to sanctions against Georgian officials undermining democratic processes.

Who is affected

  • Civil society organizations and NGO leaders whose bank accounts were frozen
  • Protesters who have been detained and sentenced to prison terms
  • Journalists (including László Mézes, reporters from Publika, and Javid Ahmedov)
  • Opposition political figures and parties (including Saba Skhvitaridze from Ahali party)
  • Family members of detained protesters
  • Foreign visitors facing entry restrictions to Georgia
  • Georgian citizens who may lose visa-free travel to Europe

What action is being taken

  • The Prosecutor General's Office is investigating NGO leaders for alleged sabotage
  • Courts are sentencing protesters to prison terms ranging from two to two-and-a-half years
  • Police are detaining demonstrators during ongoing protests
  • The parliamentary commission established by Georgian Dream is investigating alleged crimes of opposition figures
  • International bodies (U.S. House of Representatives, European foreign ministers, OSCE) are issuing statements of concern and passing legislation like the MEGOBARI Act

Why it matters

  • The crackdown represents a significant democratic backsliding in Georgia
  • The actions threaten Georgia's relationship with Western institutions and its EU accession process
  • International sanctions and punitive measures (including potential expulsion from the Council of Europe) could isolate Georgia
  • The targeting of civil society, media, and opposition creates a chilling effect on freedom of expression and assembly
  • The situation is creating a deepening rift between the government and its critics

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices

Georgia's political turmoil remains on full display