Businessman Resan Kikava has publicly explained why he has stepped back from civic and political activities. In a Facebook post, Kikava said the reason is the law enacted a few months ago that prohibits entrepreneurs from engaging in any public political activity not directly related to their business operations.
“I didn’t think I’d have to explain this. But many people either missed or didn’t understand what happened and keep asking why I’m no longer ‘visible’ in civic or political processes. So I’ll write it here,” Kikava stated.
According to him, the new law effectively deprives businesspeople of the freedom to express opinions on issues unrelated to their business. He emphasized the severity of the penalties outlined in the legislation.
“If you think this might result in an administrative fine, you’re wrong. There is criminal liability: fines, business liquidation, and even imprisonment for up to four years. Four years in prison… for publicly expressing an opinion,” he wrote, calling the measure “unimaginable.”
Kikava said that his civic engagement had only one goal - to strengthen civic awareness and solidarity within society, especially in the business community, and to encourage collective responsibility for protecting the environment in which people live and work.
“Some listened and supported me, and I’m grateful for that. There were others who insisted that businesspeople should only mind their businesses and that civic or political life is not their concern,” he noted. “But when you pay taxes, breathe the air of this city, use its infrastructure, rely on state services, and when your employees, customers and partners all live here - how can this not concern you?”
Kikava added that due to the new restrictions, he can no longer share his full opinion on the law itself but stressed that he will continue doing what he believes is right.
