As the ruling Georgian Dream party continues to attack democracy in Georgia, it’s important for Western policy makers not to engage in political dialogue with its representatives, said Tinatin Khidasheli, former Minister of Defence and director of the Civic-Idea think tank.
She relayed this message at the Forum 2000 conference during an expert panel on civil society in Georgia, which was co-organised by the Prague Civil Society Centre and Civic-Idea. Forum 2000 is an international conference founded by Václav Havel, dedicated to democratic values and human rights.
Together with Saba Brachveli, Human Rights Programme manager at the Civil Society Foundation, and Ghia Nodia, Professor of politics at Ilia State University in Tbilisi, they discussed the ongoing resistance against the Georgian government’s repression, as well as what can Europe do to help Georgian civil society.
“The current government stands on three pillars of power: propaganda, law enforcement, and finances. We need financial sanctions on the individuals and businesses tied to financing these,” Brachveli said.
“Resistance is successful and will eventually change the regime,” stated Khidasheli. The discussion was moderated by Igor Blaževič, our Senior Advisor.
This year’s Forum 2000 paid special attention to Georgia, as the Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli won the Forum’s International Award for Courage and Responsibility. Unfortunately, she won’t be able to accept it as she is currently serving two years in prison. The prominent Georgian journalist was sentenced to prison time for politically motivated charges. She became a symbol of resistance to the Georgian Dream’s oppression, which threatens the country’s democratic direction, and she is recognised as Georgia’s first female political prisoner.
In detention, the brave journalist has lost most of her eyesight due to a lack of proper medical care.