Alumni of the Chevening and John Smith Fellowship programs have denounced the arrest of financier and civic advocate Nikoloz Shurghaia, detained during a peaceful demonstration in Tbilisi on October 22. The signatories describe the charges as politically driven and part of a broader pattern of repression against activists and independent voices in Georgia.
"We, the undersigned Chevening Scholars and John Smith Fellows, write to express our profound concern over the detention of financier and civic advocate Nikoloz Shurghaia, who was arrested on October 22, 2025, during a peaceful protest near the Parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Nikoloz Shurghaia is widely respected for his principled engagement in public life and his commitment to democratic values. His participation in the October 22 demonstration alongside journalists, civil society leaders, and fellow citizens was a legitimate exercise of the right to peaceful assembly. The reported grounds for his detention, including alleged obstruction of traffic, appear to be disproportionate and politically motivated, especially in light of the broader pattern of repression documented in Georgia throughout 2025.
We are deeply alarmed by the increasing use of arbitrary detention, judicial harassment, and punitive measures against activists, opposition figures, and independent voices in Georgia. The arrest of Mr. Shurghaia, alongside other prominent individuals reflects a troubling erosion of democratic norms and a deliberate attempt to silence dissent.
As alumni of leadership programs committed to democratic governance, human rights, and rule of law, we stand in solidarity with Mr. Shurghaia and all those unjustly detained. We call on the Georgian authorities to:
-Immediately and unconditionally release Nikoloz Shurghaia and all individuals detained for peaceful protest.
-Ensure transparency and accountability in all legal proceedings related to civic activism.
Uphold Georgia’s international obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights and other human rights instruments.
We urge diplomatic missions, international organizations, and fellow alumni networks to monitor this case closely and to advocate for the protection of civic space in Georgia. The credibility of Georgia’s democratic institutions and its European aspirations depend on the fair and lawful treatment of its citizens.
Signatories:
Moreta Bobokhidze
Irakli Laitadze
Leli Chelidze
Olesia Vartanian
Tamar Khuntsaria
Davit Maghradze (Chevening 2007-2008, John Smith Fellow 2004)
Keta Badashvili
Ida Bakhturidze
Sergo Vashakmadze
Ekaterine Skhiladze
Nini Gogiberidze
Nino Orjonikidze
Mariam Uberi
Giorgi Oniani
Ana Kebadze
Nino Sarishvili
Etuna Munjishvili
Mariam Zabakhidze
Ketevan Murusidze
Natia Chankvetadze
Lina Ghvinianidze
Levan Pavlenishvili (Chevening Fellow 2020/2021)
Maka Gureshidze
Irina Mamulashvili
Gvantsa Meladze
Kakha Khimshiashvili (Chevening 1994-1995)
Ekaterine Machavariani
Nino Nanitashvili (Chevening 2019-2020)
Luka Khimshiashvili (Chevening 2021-2022)
Nino Lekishvili (Chevening 202-23)
