Coalition for Change: ‘Prosecutor’s statement marks another episode of power usurpation’

The Coalition for Change has strongly criticized the recent statement by the Prosecutor General’s Office (PoG) regarding the October 2024 parliamentary elections, labeling it as another instance of the ruling authorities’ effort to legitimize electoral fraud and consolidate power.

“The Prosecutor General’s Office has claimed that the parliamentary elections held on October 26, 2024, were free from fraud. This statement blatantly contradicts the facts surrounding the elections and is a calculated attempt to legitimize a fraudulent process, marking yet another episode of power usurpation,” the Coalition stated.

The Coalition emphasized that the legitimacy of the election results has been widely questioned. “No Western country or international organization has recognized the results of these elections. Most importantly, the Georgian people, the ultimate power source in a democracy, have refused to accept these results. For over 50 days, citizens have been demanding new elections conducted in a free and fair environment,” the statement read.

The Coalition also pointed to recent repressive actions by the government, which it described as part of an intensified crackdown on dissent. “In recent days, the self-declared government has escalated its repressive measures, unlawfully detaining 18 peaceful protesters in Batumi, Tbilisi, and Zugdidi. Notably, journalist Mzia Amaglobeli has been arrested on politically motivated charges in Batumi. We consider this an audacious attack on democracy and press freedom.”

The Coalition also highlighted incidents of physical violence, including attacks on Giorgi Gakharia, the chairman of the For Georgia party, and Zviad Koridze, a journalist and representative of Transparency International Georgia.

In solidarity with the ongoing unprecedented nationwide strike, the Coalition reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for international non-recognition of the regime and pushing for sanctions with Western partners. “We will continue to fight alongside the Georgian people for new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners,” the Coalition concluded.