Fifth President Zourabichvili: Gov’t’s “Russian-influenced repressions” aims at quelling ongoing protests

In a video address to the public, Georgia’s fifth President, Salome Zourabichvili, condemned a “recent wave of repression, arrests, and intimidation” in the country, which she believed “is aimed at quelling ongoing protests”.

Zourabichvili emphasized that the efforts would not succeed in silencing the determined and steadfast Georgian society.

“After the New Year, a new wave of repression has begun, the sole purpose of which is to stop the protests that will not stop. This strike is a clear indicator that society will not be intimidated, society is determined, and knows what it wants and what it does not want,” said Zourabichvili.

She expressed concern over what she described as the country’s shift into a new phase influenced by the Russian regime.

According to Zourabichvili, the government is using tactics reminiscent of the Putin administration’s authoritarian practices, including violence and intimidation against citizens.

She specifically referenced incidents involving For Georgia opposition leader Giorgi Gakharia, calling these actions “unthinkable” and unacceptable for a democratic society.

“The use of violence, whether by MPs or others, is a hallmark of dictatorial regimes. No citizen should ever be subjected to intimidation or violence,” she stated. “This is unacceptable, and there will be international support to prevent it.”

Zourabichvili also addressed the ongoing strike by a large portion of Georgian society, viewing it as a peaceful resistance against the growing authoritarian tendencies in the government. “Georgia will not agree to turning into a Russian-style regime. We are fighting, and we will continue to fight peacefully,” she affirmed.

The President’s message also targeted Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, accusing the “regime of attempting to provoke further civil conflict”.

Zourabichvili argued that the divide in Georgia is not between two opposing sides, but between society and those who perpetuate violence, whether public officials or private citizens.

“There are no two sides in Georgia. On one side is the regime, and on the other is society. Society always wins,” Zourabichvili concluded.