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In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, Georgia has witnessed an unprecedented crackdown on opposition leaders, with six prominent politicians jailed in a single week. The move, described by observers as a severe blow to the country’s democracy, has sparked widespread concern both domestically and internationally.
Nika Melia, a key figure in the Coalition for Change, was sentenced to eight months in prison on Friday, while former MP Givi Targamadze received a seven-month term. Four other opposition leaders—Giorgi Vashadze, Zurab Japaridze, Badri Japaridze, and Mamuka Khazaradze—have also been jailed, with two others, including Nika Gvaramia, held in pre-trial detention. The charges stem from their refusal to testify before a parliamentary commission, a criminal offense under Georgia’s legal code, and all have been barred from public office for two years.
Transparency International has labeled the situation “the most severe democratic collapse in Georgia’s post-Soviet history,” accusing Georgian Dream of launching an authoritarian offensive. Human rights groups report that 500 people have been arrested during protests, with 300 allegedly tortured and 60 held as political prisoners. Independent media, including journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, face imprisonment and censorship.
The crackdown follows months of political unrest triggered by disputed parliamentary elections in October 2024, which the opposition claims were rigged by the ruling Georgian Dream party, led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili. The opposition’s boycott of parliament and the government’s decision to halt Georgia’s EU membership bid have fueled nightly protests in Tbilisi for over 200 days, with citizens demanding new elections and the release of political prisoners.
As Georgia’s political crisis deepens, fears grow that the country is sliding toward authoritarianism, threatening its democratic aspirations and straining ties with Western allies.
International criticism has been sharp, with Norway condemning the arrests as an “unprecedented attack on Georgia’s democracy.” The government defends its actions, with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze claiming the parliamentary commission is exposing past crimes of previous administrations. However, opposition leaders, including Melia, argue the crackdown is a politically motivated attempt to silence dissent and cling to power.
