A coalition of 40 Georgian civil society organizations has issued a joint statement condemning the recent arrests of political leaders, warning that the country is veering toward authoritarian rule under the current government. The signatories describe the developments as “another step toward dictatorship” and call for a united and firm response to state repression.
The statement comes in the wake of the detention of opposition figures in what NGOs allege are politically motivated prosecutions. The signatories accuse Georgian Dream and its informal leader Bidzina Ivanishvili of using state institutions, including courts and the prosecutor’s office, as tools of political retaliation.
"The ruling regime in Georgia has finally chosen the path of authoritarianism," the statement reads.
"Today, more than 60 individuals are prisoners of conscience. Courts, the prosecutor’s office, and other state institutions have been transformed into political instruments."
The organizations warn that fundamental human rights and media freedoms are under sustained attack, and civil society itself is being deliberately targeted.
“Ivanishvili has chosen to maintain power through dictatorship,” the NGOs say. “This is not the problem of one political group, it is a threat to every citizen. Tomorrow, anyone can become a victim of repression.”
The signatories also issued a rallying call to the public and the international community, declaring:
“Citizens of Georgia, we will not give up. Georgia will not become Russia.”
They emphasized the need for solidarity and civic engagement, warning that silence or inaction could legitimize the erosion of democracy.
“The democratic world sees our struggle and expresses solidarity. Now, more than ever, we must act and protest together.”
The statement is signed by the following non-governmental organizations:
Transparency International Georgia, Economic Policy Research Center, Civil Movement for Freedom, Sapari, Civil Society Foundation, Prevention for Progress, Cactus Media Platform, Europe-Georgia Institute (EGI), Kvemo Kartli Women's Association "Women and the World", My Imereti, Human Rights Center, EECMD, Democracy Research Institute (DRI), Georgian Courtwatch, Gori Art House - Gori Photographers' Club, Phoenix 2009, ENPUD, Defenders of Democracy, Europe Foundation, European Orbit of Georgia, Tolerance and Diversity Institute (TDI), Georgian Psychosocial Assistance Association "Trust", Association "Women for Regional Development", Public Art Platform, International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims GCRT, Alternative Georgia, Rights Georgia, "National Network for Protection from Violence, Georgian Future Academy, Green Alternative, Women's Initiatives Support Group, Center for Media, Information and Social Research, Partnership for Human Rights, Center for Social Justice, Center for Regional Initiatives "Bright Future", Alliance of Women with Disabilities.
