"The persistent democratic backslide and the recent repressive means used by Georgian authorities have consequences for our bilateral relations. The EU will consider additional measures at the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council on 16 December.

The EU stands in solidarity with the Georgian people and their democratic and European aspirations."

E.U. Statement on Georgia.

eeas.europa.eu/eeas/georgia-st…

Georgia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the developments in Georgia

For nearly two weeks, the Georgian people have been standing up for their democratic and European aspirations, facing brutal, unlawful force from the police while exercising their right to freedom of expression.

^EEAS

In Georgia, the security services are forecasting that 'local actors directed by special services of foreign powers'' are going to escalate the protests by orchestrating the deaths of 2-3 protestors and blaming the deaths on the government.

They have zero evidence that 'special services of foreign powers' are involved in the violence at protests so far in Georgia.

At least, not on the protestor's side...

#GeorgiaProtests
#TerrorInGeorgia

publika.ge/susi-aqciis-organiz…

სუსი: აქციის ორგანიზატორები განიხილავენ სიტუაციის დაძაბვას, რასაც უნდა მოჰყვეს მსხვერპლი

პუბლიკა - ინფორმირებული არჩევანისათვის

^{პუბლიკა}

Georgian businessman Giorgi Chkheidze, who served as Georgian Dream’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture in 2016-2018, published a letter saying that halting the EU accession was “national treason.”

“A government that puts its own interests ahead of those of its people and opposes the aspirations of its people is doomed and will inevitably be defeated. The more it tries to crush and defeat people, the more severely it will be punished. This is a historical inevitability."

civil.ge/archives/643395

Former GD Cabinet Member Slams Ivanishvili for “Treason”

On December 10, businessman Giorgi Chkheidze, who served as Georgian Dream's Deputy Minister of Agriculture in 2016-2018, published a letter saying that halting the EU accession was "national treason.

^{Civil.ge (Civil Georgia)}

Salome Zourabichvilli, the unstoppable President of Georgia, today gave out medals for civic dedication to journalists and reporters covering the protests in Georgia.

Many journalists have been targeted by the ruling Georgian Dream party with detainment and hospitalisations, so this is a powerful gesture by the President, whose office is the last one not to be captured by the regime.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

publika.ge/medlit-samoqalaqo-t…

მედლით „სამოქალაქო თავდადებისათვის" პრეზიდენტმა მედიის წარმომადგენლები დააჯილდოვა

პუბლიკა - ინფორმირებული არჩევანისათვის

^{პუბლიკა}

Georgian President Awards Journalists.

"You are the window through which we see what is happening. If you weren't there, people who are not outside at the demonstrations, because they can't stand there, they wouldn't know what is happening and even from one part of the protest to the other, which is spread across several cities, we wouldn't know that the country is standing against injustice."

"Your presence and your dedication are very important, today, tomorrow and always."

#GeorgiaProtests

"In Georgia, nearly 500 people have been arrested over the past 12 days, with more than 300 reporting beatings or torture. Over 90 journalists have faced physical violence and obstruction, and more than 80 have been hospitalized. Georgian Dream is pushing to legitimize terror.

Despite the horrors, people refuse to back down—not because these events aren’t terrifying, but because they are determined to prevent Georgia from becoming Russia."

Katie Shoshiashvili,
Transparency Georgia

#Georgia

Here are some photographs from an award ceremony in Tbilisi, Georgia today. President Salome Zourabichvilli is giving out civic awards to journalists covering the recent protests in Georgia.

You'll notice that the journalists are wearing bandages and neck braces. They have all sustained injuries while covering the protests. They were all attacked by unidentified 'special forces' working for Georgia's illegitimate government.

Shine a light on this.

#TerrorInGeorgia

#GeorgiaProtests

This will surprise absolutely nobody.

Hungary, the only EU country that has recognized the new government in Georgia, has announced that it will veto any sanctions the E.U. try to put on Georgia.

"Nonsensical and unjustified", they say.

"Orban's a Russian stooge", (I say.)

#StandWithGeorgia

civil.ge/archives/643509

Hungary Says to Veto Personal EU Sanctions as Georgian FM Visits Budapest

On December 10, Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili held a meeting and a joint press conference with her Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó. During her visit to Hungary, she received conf

^{Civil.ge (Civil Georgia)}

"Giorgi Gakharia, the former Minister of Internal Affairs under Georgian Dream, who still maintains close ties to the structure, claims that more than 100 police officers have submitted resignation requests in protest, but the Minister is refusing to approve them."

Anna Gvarishvili,
Georgian journalist.

#GeorgiaProtests
#TerrorinGeorgia

"Despite domestic and international pressure, the Georgian government is intensifying the crackdown.

The EU has deplored authorities’ repressive actions, but it's time for decisive steps. The EU should seek independent investigations into the post-election violence by experts from the Council of Europe and the U.N., calling on them to examine the unlawful use of force, arbitrary detention, and the mounting evidence of ill-treatment and torture."

Human Rights Watch

hrw.org/news/2024/12/10/georgi…

Georgia’s Human Rights Crisis Deepens Amid Mass Protests

European Union foreign affairs ministers gathering on December 16 to discuss Georgia should call for an independent investigation into the country’s clampdown on peaceful anti-government protests, now in their second week.

^{Human Rights Watch}

"Emmanuel Macron spoke with Bidzina Ivanishvili, the powerful billionaire behind the ruling Georgian Dream party, to express his urgent concerns over the deteriorating state of democracy in the country.

The call was initiated by Macron and comes amid a violent crackdown on protesters following disputed elections in October that Georgian Dream won.

Macron condemned law enforcement for the use of excessive force against nonviolent protesters and journalists in general."

rferl.org/a/macron-ivanishvili…

Macron Urges Georgian Dream's Ivanishvili To Address Democratic Backsliding

The Élysée Palace announced on December 11 that French President Emmanuel Macron initiated a phone call with Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party, to express his urgent concerns over the deteriorating st…

^{RFE/RL's Georgian Service (RFE/RL)}

"While on the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia – now in its fourteenth consecutive day of protests against the government’s decision to suspend the EU accession process – law enforcement violence continues, the European Union warns that it will “consider further measures” against those responsible for the democratic backsliding and repression.

However, Hungary promises: “We will veto” any sanctions on Georgian officials."

#GeorgiaProtest

eunews.it/en/2024/12/11/georgi…

Georgia: EU studies "further measures" against crackdown on protests. But Hungary warns: "We

The 27 member states will consider possible sanctions against Georgian officials responsible for the violence on pro-EU protesters on Monday, Dec. 16.

^{Simone De La Feld @SimoneDeLaFeld1 (Eunews)}

In Georgia, the independent Mtavari T.V. Channel is under threat of being closed down by it's own co founder Zaza Okuashvili. It's suspected he is being pressured (some kind of financial blackmail, not yet known) by Georgian Dream party chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili.

The journalists at the channel are fighting back and promising to stay on air as long as they can.

#TerrorInGeorgia

On the bloody Christmas tree outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia, protestors are hanging pink coffins with bloody handprints on them.

They allude to widespread rumours about Tbilisi mayor and Georgian Dream party member Kakha Kahladze.

The mind boggles.

#GeorgiaProtests

It's the 14th day of protests across Georgia, and they are just not stopping.
Different groups are organizing their own separate marches before arriving at the main protest point outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Yesterday there were the architects and then the doctors, earlier there were teachers and the latest are the civil servants.

The banner says "We serve people and state! We defend Georgian constitution"

#GeorgiaProtests

A delegation from the European Parliament has arrived in Georgia. The MEPs include Rasa Juknevičienė (Lithuania), Michał Szczerba (Poland), Nathalie Loiseau (France), Bernard Guetta (France), Tobias Cremer (Germany), and Reinier van Lanschot (Netherlands).

They are meeting now with opposition parties and later with President Zourabichvilli. The fact they are meeting with the opposition and not the ruling Georgian Dream party speaks volumes.

#StandWithGeorgia

#StandWithGeorgia

Zelenskyy calls for stronger action against Georgia.

"Zelenskyy noted that Georgia has rejected the EU integration and that the Georgian government “is completely under the political control of the Russian Federation.” He said that the US and EU have not been strong enough to withstand Russian influence”

“What strong measures have been taken by the United States of America? What strong measures have the European states taken? I don’t see any, to tell you frankly."

civil.ge/archives/643970

President Zelenskyy: West Has Not Reacted Strongly Enough to Situation in Georgia

President of Ukraine Volodymir Zelenskyy said he believes that the West has not reacted strongly enough to the situation in Georgia and to Russia's efforts to establish control over the country. He ma

^{Civil.ge (Civil Georgia)}

In Tbilisi, Georgia today, it is the turn of the Tech sector to march to parliament as they announce a 2 day strike.

Here they are protesting in a language all the tech geeks will understand.

While (government..hasBug {. ( )) [
protest ( ) ;
}

#GeorgiaProtests

15 days into national protests against the Georgian government, and the Georgian people have endured. They've endured government propaganda and gaslighting, arbitrary detentions, hospitalisations, tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, unidentified special forces and regime thugs.

Still, they protest. Here's how they protested last night, with a beautiful rendition of a traditional polyphonic Georgian song, about endurance, naturally.

Hear the people sing.

#GeorgianProtests

In 2023, young Georgian pianist Giorgi Gigashvili won the prestigious Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition.

In 2024, he's on the streets of Tbilisi, demanding the release of Tbilisi Conservatoire student Anri Kakhbadze, detained after protesting against the government.

This is becoming the norm in Georgia now. Protest is everybody, everywhere, everyday.

#GeorgiaProtests

"Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Georgia Gareth Ward expressed his dismay at the decisions made by the Georgian Dream party, including those seen as a deviation from Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic path. “We are shocked by the violence used by law enforcement and informal groups,” the Ambassador said in his address in the Georgian language, calling the actions “unacceptable” and urging their immediate cessation."

#StandWithGeorgia

civil.ge/archives/643980

UK Ambassador: We are Shocked by Law Enforcement Violence

In a video address released on December 12, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Georgia Gareth Ward expressed his dismay at the decisions made by the Georgian Dream party, including those seen as a de

^{Civil.ge (Civil Georgia)}

This is Rasa Juknevičienė meeting with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvilli. Jukneviciene leads a delegation of MEP's visiting Tbilisi, Georgia today.

The delegation plans to meet with opposition leaders, the president, civil society groups and members of independent media in Georgia. Significantly, they have announced no plans to meet with the Georgian government.

For now, everybody is remaining tight lipped about exactly what is being discussed. Watch this space...

#StandWithGeorgia

"We ask the Georgian authorities to re-conduct these elections under certain conditions and in accordance with the norms that we in the European Union respect."

Michal Szczerba,
MEP,
Poland.

#StandWithGeorgia

interpressnews.ge/ka/article/8…

ევროპარლამენტარი მიჰალ შჩერბა - ჩვენ ვთხოვთ საქართველოს ხელისუფლებას, ეს არჩევნები თავიდან ჩაატაროს გარკვეული პირობებით და იმ ნორმების შესაბამისად, რომელსაც ჩვენ ევროკავშირში პატივს ვცემთ

უნდა ითქვას, რომ საპარლამენტო არჩევნები თავისუფალი და სამართლიანი არ ყოფილა, - ამის შესახებ ევროპარლამენტარმა მიჰალ შჩერბამ

^{www.interpressnews.ge}

"Amid the violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators in Georgia, we can consider the fact that the propaganda arm of the brutal government, Imedi TV, is operated and managed from the UK through the company Hunnewell Partners.

Is it time for the Criminal Security Service to conduct an investigation into the operation from this country in the direction of pro-Russian propaganda and incitement to violence against peaceful demonstrators?"

Blair McDougall,
MP,
U K.

formulanews.ge/News/121549

ბრიტანეთის პარლამენტში "იმედის" მფლობელი კომპანიის მიმართ გამოძიების საკითხი წამოჭრეს

ტელეკომპანია ფორმულას ოფიციალური ვებგვერდი. საინტერესო და გადამოწმებული ამბები ერთ სივრცეში.

^{formulanews.ge}

In Tbilisi, Georgia tomorrow, there are 14 separate protests planned. Different sectors of society are all planning individual protests - lawyers, psychologists, the wine industry, musicians, d.j.s, H.R, Marketing, P.R...., they're all likely to meet up at the end of the day for the 16th consecutive night of protest outside parliament.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

"At the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, 35 countries said Irakli Kobakhidze’s statement not to pursue the opening of EU accession negotiations and to reject EU financial assistance until 2028 “appears to be in violation of the Georgian Constitution.”

The statement does not refer to Irakli Kobakhidze as “Prime Minister.”

#StandWithGeorgia

civil.ge/archives/644192

Over 35 CoE Countries Say the Authorities are Failing on their Commitments

On December 11, 35 Council of Europe (CoE) member states made a statement at the CoE Committee of Ministers condemning the police violence and saying, "We stand with the Georgian people in support of

^{Civil.ge (Civil Georgia)}

In Tbilisi, Georgia, a delegation of MEPs, led by Lithuania's Rasa Jukneviciene, have been visiting today.

They met with opposition politicians, President Zourabichvilli, civil society organisations, and independent media journalists and reporters.

They have pointedly ignored the governing party and have now headed out to Rustavali Avenue to join the nightly protests.

Georgia is Europe, and Europe is Georgia.

"The United States strongly condemns the Georgian Dream party’s ongoing, brutal, and unjustified violence against Georgian citizens, including protesters, members of the media, human rights activists, and opposition figures.We are committed to seeing that senior officials responsible will be subject to visa restrictions.

We are preparing additional actions, including sanctions, to hold to account those who undermine democracy in Georgia."

Matthew Miller,
US State Dept.

state.gov/pursuing-visa-restri…

In Tbilisi, Georgia, today there are at least 17 separate protest actions going on in multiple locations. The city is at a standstill already, and they all seem to be merging into one huge protest.
It's impossible to keep up with them all. I'm keeping an eye out for the d.j.s and the wine makers, and the place where those two meet.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

This is Lithuanian MEP Rasa Jukneviciene outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia. She was one of a delegation of 7 MEPs who joined the protestors in Georgia last night on their 15th night of protests against the illegitimate government.

This act of solidarity meant the world to Georgians. Standing with Georgia. Literally.

🇬🇪❤️🇪🇺❤️🇬🇪

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

"This is not even funny anymore. The so-called “People’s Power Party" who officially left Georgian Dream Party (GD) after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine to “criticize the West more openly,” rejoined GD for the elections and ran on their list.

Now, they are declaring that they’re leaving GD once again to create a “healthy opposition.”

Mikheil Kavelashvili, GD's presidential candidate, is a member of “People’s Power.”

Anna Gvarishvili,
Georgian journalist.

#Georgia

Georgian Parliamentary Democracy, Georgian Dream style.

In a nutshell, because the opposition parties refuse to attend parliament after an illegitimate election, the ruling Georgian Dream party is splitting itself in half to create two parties so it looks like they have an opposition in parliament.

The punchline is that the new "People's Power" pretend opposition party is even more right wing and more pro-Russian than the government.

Everything's fine....

#Georgia

netgazeti.ge/news/756091/

„ხალხის ძალა“ ფსევდოოპოზიციას ქმნის - Netgazeti

„ხალხის ძალამ“ გადავწყვიტეთ, დავტოვოთ საპარლამენტო უმრავლესობა და ამით სათავე დავუდოთ საქართველოში ჯანსაღი ოპოზიციის არსებობას”, — განაცხადა „ხალხის ძალის“ აღმასრულებელმა მდივანმა გურამ მაჭარაშვილმა.

^{ნინო ჩიჩუა (Netgazeti)}

The Georgian Tech sector are marching in protest against the government for the second day in Tbilisi, Georgia, and their messaging is on point.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

"Community marches are quickly becoming so widespread in Georgia that a Facebook cat lovers group also discusses organizing one. I swear to God.
I feel like it's a matter of principle that us dog lovers do something as well."

Marika Mikiashvili,
Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

The breadth and depth of protests in Tbilisi and other towns and cities across Georgia today is truly astonishing.

It's impossible to mention all the different sectors, but even the local bakeries are joining in.

We Bake Freedom!

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

In Georgia, the government have tried to dismiss the massive protests happening everywhere for over 2 weeks now. They portrayed them as a few students and opposition party activists.

So, to prove them wrong, Georgia is seeing how many different sections of society can have separate protests today.

And it's getting super competitive. I think the construction workers waving flags on top of a massive crane are really going for the prize.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

Georgia protests are also happening outside European Parliament in Brussels.
The sign says it all.

#GeorgiaProtests

"Today, the Georgian civil society has become consolidated… The idea of a European Georgia has united the nation… And the national accord has been achieved.”

“This enormous protest is solely about achieving new elections, because there is no other peaceful way out… There is no peace without free and fair elections.”

“You cannot jail everyone.”

President Salome Zourabichvili,
Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

"The Georgian Dream government has lost its mandate, and the people will not relent until it is removed. High-level resignations have escalated, including ambassadors and officials from the Ministry of the Interior. Fed up with government-induced violence and relentless disinformation, even top hosts from pro-government television channels are defecting. Swaths of Georgian companies are also openly condemning the government’s actions."

Will Cathcart.

#GeorgiaProtests

thehill.com/opinion/internatio…

President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili affirmed her commitment to staying in office during a press briefing, emphasizing the need for legitimate leadership in the country during this critical moment.

“I’m here, and I will remain here because this country urgently needs a legitimate institution. If anyone in this country truly wants peace, if anyone wants to emerge from this crisis victorious in any form, there is only one path forward—elections."

#Georgia

frontnews.ge/en/president-zour…

President Zourabichvili: "I’m not leaving—Georgia needs legitimate institution right now" -

^{mtavariuser (Front News - Georgia)}

The EU is meeting on Monday to discuss sanctions against Georgia. It's expected that Hungary will veto any EU wide sanctions.
Behind the scenes, Germany, France and Poland and others are said to be getting ready to act in a 'coalition of the willing' to sanction Georgia as individual countries. It has to happen.

#StandWithGeorgia

spiegel.de/politik/deutschland…

EU-Erweiterung und Protest: Bundesregierung setzt sich für Sanktionen gegen Georgien ein

Das Auswärtige Amt will sich nach SPIEGEL-Informationen für gezielte EU-Sanktionen in der Causa Georgien einsetzen. Für den Fall, dass Ungarn blockiert, soll es einen Plan B geben.

^{Timo Lehmann (DER SPIEGEL)}

"We’ve got Georgia on our mind. But we’re not in good company. The protests rocking the small country of Georgia have lost their fragile grip on the Western news agenda, just as events have rocketed beyond the “protests” they were initially headlined as being."

#GeorgiaProtests

bylinetimes.com/2024/12/13/geo…

The Media Must Report On Georgia Violence: 'Their Fight Is Ours, and the Scale of the Atrocities is Agonising' – Byline Times

Pro-European protesters are raging against the Putin-aligned Georgian Government's decision to scrap the country's bid to join the EU

^{Mathilda Mallinson and Helena Wadia (Byline Times)}

It's another big day in Georgia as protests are under way against the election of a new president.

When I say election, the illegitimate government have changed the rules so that the presidency is now decided by a committee of their own members.

The people refuse to recognize the new president. The current president, Salome Zourabichvilli, also refuses to recognize the new president. She is still the only legitimate leader of Georgia, and she's not going anywhere.

#GeorgiaProtests.

In Georgia, 'voting' is happening now in parliament for the new president.

Ex-footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili of the Georgian Dream party is the firm favourite to win. That's mostly because the opposition party won't be voting as they refuse to attend the illegitimate parliament. Also, Kavelashvili is the only candidate on the ballot.

When Georgians say their democracy has been hijacked, this is what they mean.

#StandWithGeorgia

Tbilisi, Georgia is protesting again today.

Among many others there are separate protests by environmental campaigners, mothers, designers, mountain hikers and soccer players.

Every section of society in Georgia has protested against the government.

#GeorgiaProtests

In Tbilisi, Georgia today, three things are happening.

Inside parliament, the illegitimate government are illegitimately voting for a new illegitimate president.

Outside parliament, they are getting ready for the lighting of the Christmas tree in a ceremony this evening which will attempt to convey how completely normal and well adjusted life in Georgia is right now.

Also, outside parliament, thousands of protestors will once again be protesting, against all of this.

#GeorgiaProtests

In Tbilisi, Georgia, the illegitimate government are illegitimately voting for an illegitimate new president.

Meanwhile, outside, the current president Salome Zourabichvilli is walking around among the protestors to remind them that she is still the legitimate president, she is still with them, and is not going anywhere.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

In Tbilisi, Georgia, as one of several protests planned for today, the Mothers march is taking place.

"I didn't give birth to nine kids for them to live in Russia."

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

"Georgian lawmakers have elected Mikheil Kavelashvili, a pro-Russia, hardline critic of the west, as the country’s new president.

Kavelashvili, a former professional football player, has strong anti-western views. In public speeches this year, he has repeatedly alleged that western intelligence agencies are seeking to drive Georgia into war with Russia"

#GeorgiaProtests

theguardian.com/world/2024/dec…

Georgian lawmakers elect far-right, anti-west hardliner as new president

Constitutional crisis deepens as opposition says election of former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili is ‘illegitimate’

^{Guardian staff reporter (The Guardian)}

"The appointment of Mikheil Kavelashvili — a figure lacking education, intellect, and any qualifications for the role — as “President” is nothing short of Bidzina Ivanishvili mocking the Georgian people.
It is a brazen display of arrogance, signaling that if he so desires, he could install a zebra in the Presidential Palace and compel us to call it President. This is purely a demonstration of power."

Anna Gvarishvili,
Georgian journalist.

#StandWithGeorgia

In Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili is now illegitimate president. It marks a new low point in a long fall from grace for the former Man City player.

From Manchester, we feel your pain Georgia. He didn't stay at City for long. We knew he was no good, but, honestly, we had no idea.

#GeorgiaProtests

manchestereveningnews.co.uk/ne…

#GeorgiaProtests

"Where is the EU? Where is the US? Where is the UK?"

Rory Stewart,
U.K.

“Kavelashvili spent most of his time at Man City facing in the wrong direction, just as he now seems to be doing as the prospective Russia-apologist leader of Georgia."

Simon Curtis,
Author,
Man City fan.

#StandWithGeorgia

"There were no real elections in Georgia today. What took place was a farce — just like in Russia, Belarus, and other autocracies.

The only legitimate official in Georgia is President Salome Zourabichvili, elected as a result of free elections.

Ivanishvili continues the state capture."

Rasa Jukneviciene,
MEP,
Lithuania.

#StandWithGeorgia

There's nothing more Christmassy than rows and rows of riot police keeping protestors away from the annual lighting of the Christmas tree.

Happening now outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests

In Tbilisi, Georgia, the Mayor Kakha Kaladze has postponed the Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Rustaveli Avenue outside parliament.

This is a symbolic defeat for Georgian Dream, who were determined to go ahead with the lighting of the Christmas tree in the middle of huge protests as a gesture that they were in control of the country and everything was just fine.

Everything is far from fine, and this last minute postponement could be a sign they are losing their nerve.

#GeorgiaProtests

In Tbilisi, Georgia, the actual legitimate President Zourabichvilli has just turned up outside parliament at the very moment the mayor has announced the postponement of the Christmas tree lighting ceremony due to massive protests happening all around it.

It's not yet clear what she's doing there. I think she may be gloating, just a little bit.

#GeorgiaProtests

This is legitimate President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvilli standing beneath the unlit Christmas tree outside parliament in Tbilisi.

Minutes earlier, the ruling Georgian Dream party had scurried off after abandoning plans to light the tree, due to the massive crowd of protestors who refuse to let the government carry on as everything is normal in Georgia. It's not.

She addressed the crowd of cheering protestors simply :

"I am with you, and you are in my heart."

#GeorgiaProtests

"Estonia has expanded its original sanctions list of 11 Georgian officials to include another 14 high-ranking officials, judges as well as the prime minister of Georgia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Sunday.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna signed a directive serving as the basis for Estonia sanctioning another 14 Georgian officials and judges, including Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze."

#StandWithGeorgia

news.err.ee/1609551817/estonia…

Estonia, Lithuania sanction Georgian prime minister over violence against protesters

Estonia slapped entry bans on Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and 13 other high-ranking officials on Sunday for authorizing violence against protesters, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The move was coordinated with Lithuania.

^{ERR News (Eesti Rahvusringhääling | ERR)}

In Georgia, the lighting of the Christmas tree was a power move by the ruling Georgian Dream party.

To hold a ceremony and light the tree in the very spot outside parliament where protests had been ongoing for weeks would have sent a powerful message.

So the fact they bottled out last night and cancelled the event, at the last minute, though they had thousands of riot police in place, is a huge PR loss.

Amateur dictatorships don't last.

#GeorgiaProtests

Georgia- Polling shows huge loss of support for ruling party.

"When asked, in today's reality, who do you support, the opposition or the "Georgian Dream"? - 65% of the population chooses the opposition, while only 22% of respondents name the "Georgian Dream".

The survey also shows that 65% of the population supports the protests. The research organization also notes that the protest sentiment is higher among young people aged 18-34, with 76% supporting it."

#Georgia.

radiotavisupleba.ge/a/33239050…

IPM: მოსახლეობის 65% მხარს უჭერს საპროტესტო აქციებს

IPM-მა ქვეყანაში მიმდინარე მოვლენებთან დაკავშირებით საზოგადოებრივი აზრის კვლევა ჩაატარა.

^{რადიო თავისუფლება}

In Georgia, every section of society is protesting against the illegitimate government.
And, really, it's every section of society. It's become fun to see which section comes next.

Yesterday, among many others, there were protests by extreme sports fans and alpinists.
Today we have the art restorers and later a joint march between the Tbilisi section of F.C. Barcelona and Real Madrid fans.

The opposition in Georgia is united in so many ways.

#GeorgiaProtests

Mikheil Kavelashvili was 'voted' in as President of Georgia yesterday in a move which is seen as illegitimate by many. Many politicians and leaders globally yesterday reaffirmed that current president Salome Zourabichvilli is still the only legitimate leader in Georgia

So far, the only countries who have acknowledged the Kavelashvili presidency are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia.

Are you spotting the pattern yet?

#StandWithGeorgia

euronews.com/my-europe/2024/12…

Who is Mikheil Kavelashvili, Georgia's new president?

53-year-old former Manchester City football player Mikheil Kavelashvili has become Georgia's new president.

^{Orestes Georgiou Daniel (Euronews.com)}

"Lithuania stands with the people of Georgia and their European dream.

In coordination with Estonia, we have expanded the list of sanctioned Georgian politicians by adding 17 more individuals, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

We will not tolerate the violence& oppression against peaceful protesters, journalists and the opposition.

It's time for joint EU level action now."

Kestutis Budris,
Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Lithuania.

#StandWithGeorgia

Lithuania and Estonia have imposed more sanctions on Georgia, including the Georgian PM Khobakidze.
This is in addition to sanctions already imposed by Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and Ukraine last week.

These countries are not waiting for a consensus or whatever it is the other countries in the world are waiting for.

It's past time for the world to react to the impending dictatorship in Georgia.

Sanctions. Now!

#SanctionGeorgia

In Georgia, F.C. Barcelona and Real Madrid fans have put their differences to one side and joined together in a march against the illegitimate government.

Footballing rivalries don't get much more heated than Barcelona and Real Madrid. They hate each other, but they hate the Georgian government even more.

#GeorgiaProtests

In Tbilisi, Georgia, this is the march of internally displaced people.

These are people who have already lost their homes in Abkhazia and South Ossetia due to the ongoing Russian occupation of those regions of Georgia.

They are determined not to lose the whole country to Russia.

#GeorgiaProtests

Also in Tbilisi, Georgia, the march of painters and other artists are heading for parliament.

They've gone for a minimalist approach. The flag says simply:

Elections.

#GeorgiaProtests

Again in Tbilisi, Georgia, this is the march of the Election Observers. They are marching to parliament under the banner:

"We Demand New Elections"

Read that again, slowly. This is Georgia now.

#GeorgiaProtests

Today in Georgia we've seen artists and painters, Barcelona and Real Madrid fans, art historians and restorers, internally displaced people, and election observers all having separate protest marches on parliament.

Every section of Georgian society is protesting against the government

Tomorrow in Georgia it's the turn of the Grandparents. They're marching for their grandchildren's European future.

Georgian society is becoming unstoppable.

#GeorgiaProtests

Popular Georgian folk band the Trio Mandili have been entered into the 'debate' over whether Georgian integration into Europe will threaten the traditional Georgian way of life.

American right wing nob Jackson Hinckle used their photo on Twitter as an example of traditional Georgian culture. Trio Mandili quickly responded on community notes to say they welcome Georgia's integration into the E.U. and have even been at many of the Pro EU protests in Georgia recently.

LOL.

#GeorgiaProtests

"We are having an unusual Russian winter in Georgia but we will have a Georgian spring !!!"

Salome Zourabichvilli,
President of Georgia.
(Talking about the weather. Maybe...)

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithRussia

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Monday Brussels had put forward a list of Georgians to sanction over a crackdown on pro-Western protesters, but Hungary was set to block the measures.

“We have proposed the list for sanctions for these people who are… using really force and violence against the opposition,” Kallas said ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

“But everybody needs to agree to the list, and we are not there yet.”

#SanctionGeorgia

firstpost.com/world/eu-foreign…

EU foreign ministers fail to agree on sanctions against Georgian authorities

Georgia’s authorities have forcefully clamped down on pro-EU demonstrators taking to the streets in recent weeks to protest the government’s decision to shelve its push to join the bloc

^{Agence France-Presse (Firstpost)}

In Georgia, the illegitimate government has been in power for just 10 days.
They have wasted no time in passing a head spinning amount of repressive laws primarily aimed at crushing protests on the street, and any dissent within the civil service.

They've even passed a law on 'Preventive Detention' so they are able to detain anyone who they think might be about to commit a crime.

If it sounds like Minority Report, that's because it is exactly like Minority Report.

publika.ge/lazeri-nighabi-da-s…

ლაზერი, ნიღაბი და სხვა ცვლილებები | რა შეიცვალა ადმინისტრაციულ კოდექსში

პუბლიკა - ინფორმირებული არჩევანისათვის

^{პუბლიკა}

In Tbilisi, Georgia, today there is another full programme of protests from different sections of civil society.

Today it's the turn of couriers, local neighbourhood associations, grandparents, filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts, literary figures, and Airbnb hosts to make the point that every section of society in Georgia are against the illegitimate government.

#GeorgiaProtests

Under huge pressure from weeks of massive protests, the Georgian government are now being reasonable.

Well, they're trying, but the gaslighting is baked in.

#GeorgiaProtests

The Grandparents march in Tbilisi, Georgia is underway. They're marching to parliament to demand that their grandchildren's future is in the E.U.

#GeorgiaProtests

"Today I reiterated in the clearest terms to Georgian Dream representative Maka Botshorishvili that police violence and arbitrary arrests in Georgia are unacceptable.

The UK will consider all options to ensure those responsible are held accountable."

Stephen Doughty,
Minister for European Affairs,
U.K.

#SanctionGeorgia