For Georgia leader Gakharia meets German Justice Minister over ‘rising authoritarianism’ in Georgia

Giorgi Gakharia, former Georgian Prime Minister and current opposition leader, has met with German Federal Minister of Justice Dr. Stefanie Hubig to raise concerns over what he described as growing authoritarianism in Georgia.

In a statement published on social media following the meeting on Monday, Gakharia said discussions focused on the deteriorating political climate in Georgia, including the alleged use of judicial mechanisms for political purposes, the persecution of opposition figures and young activists, and the imprisonment of what he called political prisoners.

“We discussed the need for the immediate release of political prisoners, the targeted persecution of young activists and opposition leaders, as well as the brutal repressive campaign of the Georgian Dream, which is being carried out through the systematic destruction of the democratic space,” Gakharia said.

He expressed appreciation for Germany’s “firm, principled readiness” to stand up for democratic values, rule of law, and fundamental freedoms, amid what he described as a severe crackdown on political pluralism in Georgia.