Transnational Support for Georgia's Resistance to Authoritarianism - A Call to Solidarity

 

The political situation in Georgia has become a critical battleground in the global struggle against authoritarianism.

Over the past year, the ruling Georgian Dream party has intensified its attacks on civil liberties, further aligning with reactionary forces to suppress dissent and marginalize vulnerable communities. These actions, including the introduction of repressive laws targeting LGBTQ+ rights and civil society organizations, represent a direct threat to the aspirations of workers, activists, and marginalized groups fighting for equality and justice. At the same time, grassroots movements and progressive organizations in Georgia have demonstrated remarkable resilience, organizing mass demonstrations and building alliances to resist authoritarianism. This article seeks to provide a concise overview of the recent political developments in Georgia, to shed light on the different fronts of this struggle and explore ways the international community can offer meaningful support to the movements leading the charge in Georgia.

Timeline

March 2023

In March 2023, the Georgian Dream party, which has increasingly embraced neoliberal policies and aligned itself with pro-Russian forces, reintroduced the Foreign Agent Bill, aimed at labeling organizations receiving foreign funding as "foreign agents." The bill sought to impose registration requirements and force groups to disclose their financial sources, primarily targeting independent media, NGOs, and grassroots movements that opposed the government’s authoritarian and neoliberal agenda. By restricting the activities of those advocating for workers' rights, social justice, and democratic reforms, the law sought to silence dissent and protect the interests of the ruling elite. In response, thousands took the streets in mass protests, denouncing the bill as a direct assault on civil liberties. The collective resistance succeeded in forcing the Georgian Dream party government to revoke the law, marking a rare victory for civil society. However, this victory was only a temporary setback for the government, which continued its efforts to tighten its grip on power and further suppress democratic movements.

April 2024

In April of 2024, the “ Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence” was reintroduced and passed, despite the resistance of the Georgian civil society. Protests up until this day get crushed by riot police, individuals get chased and beaten. Despite president Salome Zurabishvili vetoings the “Russian Law”, the veto was revoked by the one-party Parliament. In September 2024, the Georgian Parliament enacted the "Law on Protection of Family Values and Minors," a piece of legislation that severely curtails LGBTQ+ rights in the country. Passed on September 17th 2024, with 84 votes in favor and none against amid an opposition boycott, the law explicitly bans same-sex marriages and adoption by same-sex couples, enshrining a heteronormative definition of family. It prohibits gender-affirming medical procedures, denying transgender individuals access to vital healthcare, and restricts legal gender recognition, preventing changes to gender markers on official documents. Additionally, it censors LGBTQ+ representation in media, erasing queer identities from public discourse, and suppresses public expressions of LGBTQ+ rights by banning Pride marches and related events, dismantling freedom of assembly and expression.

The murder of Kesaria Abramidze

By institutionalizing systemic discrimination, it mirrors the authoritarian and homophobic policies of Russia, drawing Georgia closer to reactionary forces while abandoning its commitments to human rights. The tragic murder of Kesaria Abramidze, a prominent transgender model, the day after the law was passed exemplifies the climate of hate and violence it has emboldened. Moreover, the law's intentionally vague provisions open the door to wider crackdowns on media, education, and civil society, extending state control over all forms of dissent. This legislation does not only isolate and endanger LGBTQ+ individuals but also reveals a broader neoliberal and authoritarian agenda that sacrifices freedom and equality for political expediency and reactionary power. Its passage marks a devastating regression for Georgia, a betrayal of its democratic aspirations, and an urgent call for solidarity with those resisting this repression.

October 2024

In October 2024, Georgia faced its parliamentary elections, with Georgian Dream emerging as the winner on October 26th, securing a 54% majority. However, international observers raised serious concerns about the election’s integrity. A preliminary report from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)highlighted instances of voter intimidation, coercion, and pressure, particularly targeting public sector employees and other vulnerable groups. These actions cast doubt on whether many voters were able to cast their ballots freely and without fear of retribution. While the OSCE stopped short of claiming the elections were outright stolen or falsified, opposition groups strongly disagreed. A coalition of 2,000 election observers, known as My Vote, asserted that the preliminary results did not accurately reflect the will of the Georgian people, citing widespread voter fraud and violence as key factors undermining the legitimacy of the process.

"The results of the election sparked a new wave of protests. The opposition refuses to take their mandates, a one-party parliament is formed."

November 2024

On November 28, 2024, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia’s negotiations with the European Union would be suspended until 2028. This announcement effectively renounced the European path enshrined in the Georgian constitution, signaling a significant shift away from Georgia’s European aspirations and opening the door to increased Russian influence in the country. The decision was met with widespread condemnation from Western leaders, who criticized the Georgian Dream government for undermining the country's democratic progress and geopolitical alignment. In response to the government's actions, public and diplomatic service workers across Georgia resigned in protest, a powerful expression of dissent against the government's betrayal of the country's European future.

On November 28, 2024, massive protests erupted in Tbilisi and other major cities across Georgia in response to the government's decision to suspend EU negotiations. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets, marching to defend their freedom and demand the continuation of Georgia's European path. The protests, a powerful display of public outrage, were met with a brutal crackdown by riot police. Security forces used tear gas, water cannons, pepper spray, rubber bullets, and violently beat protesters, targeting individuals indiscriminately. The excessive use of force left many injured and further fueled public anger. These demonstrations underscored the resilience of the Georgian people in the face of escalating authoritarianism and the deepening crisis of democracy in the country.

Resistance

The protests in Georgia have become a powerful and resilient expression of popular resistance against a government that is increasingly abandoning its democratic promises and aligning with authoritarian forces. Since late November 2024, mass mobilizations have taken place across Tbilisi and other cities, with tens of thousands of people—workers, activists, students, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others from marginalized communities—filling the streets to demand justice, sovereignty, and an end to the state's repressive actions. The protests have been diverse in their forms, with peaceful marches, sit-ins, and street blockades, often led by grassroots groups organizing through social media, in an attempt to evade state surveillance and censorship. The protesters are demanding a halt to the government's shift towards Russian influence and are calling out the government's blatant attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, workers' rights, and civil liberties, which represent a clear betrayal of Georgia's potential as a democratic and progressive society.

The Georgian protests have been met with shocking and systematic brutality from the state. The riot police, heavily militarized, have unleashed violence on the demonstrators, using tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannons, and pepper spray to disperse the crowds. Protesters have been violently beaten, both during demonstrations and in detention, with many subjected to such extreme force that they lost consciousness. Unofficial squads have been unleashed onto the streets to hunt down protesters, escalating the repression to new levels. Reports of kidnappings, sexual harassment, and verbal abuse have further exposed the inhumane tactics employed by the authorities to crush dissent. Even those with chronic illnesses have been detained without access to vital medical treatments, highlighting the government’s complete disregard for basic human rights. This campaign of state violence aims to intimidate and silence the population, but it has also intensified public outrage, fueling the determination of many to continue resisting oppression.

Despite this relentless brutality, the demonstrations have not stopped. Georgians have remained steadfast, taking to the streets for more than 60 consecutive days, driven by an unyielding commitment to fight for their rights, dignity, and freedom.

The ongoing demonstrations are unfolding on multiple fronts, with people in resistance courageously standing against repression, despite immense challenges. Their struggle is urgent, and they are in dire need of solidarity and support to sustain their fight for justice and freedom.

Authorities have arrested over 460 individuals, with the majority facing administrative charges and approximately 30 facing criminal charges. Local monitoring groups report that more than 300 of those arrested have alleged ill-treatment and torture during or following their arrest, with at least 80 requiring hospitalization. Transnational solidarity is essential in supporting the resistance movements in Georgia, especially as the people face mounting repression. While it’s easy to feel powerless from afar, there are concrete ways to make a difference. Financial support is crucial to help cover the costs of legal aid for those arrested and to pay fines imposed on protesters, many of whom face significant financial burdens. Additionally, raising awareness and sharing information about the situation in Georgia can amplify the cause and bring international attention to the struggle.

The more we can raise awareness about the different fronts of the resistance, the stronger the global solidarity will become. Even though we may be geographically distant, there is always a way to support, whether through direct action, donations, or by simply amplifying the voices of those on the frontlines. The people of Georgia need to know they are not alone in this fight, and together, we can help ensure their struggle is not forgotten.

How to support?

PC:Mautskebeli

Support Independent Media

At the beginning of the demonstrations, independent journalists in Georgia were specifically targeted for their role in documenting and exposing police brutality. They were treated with exceptional aggression, as the authorities viewed them as threats to the narrative they were trying to control. Journalists faced physical intimidation, harassment, and threats of violence, with some being detained, beaten, and even jailed. The government has made examples out of these journalists to deter others from covering the protests or exposing state violence.

Mzia Amaglobeli's case has become a focal point in the ongoing struggle for press freedom and the protection of independent journalists in Georgia. She has been on a hunger strike since January 12, 2025, in protest against her arrest and the charges against her, which many view as politically motivated. Amaglobeli, a respected journalist and co-founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, was detained during a protest in Batumi and charged with assaulting a police officer, a claim that has sparked widespread concern over the treatment of journalists in the country. Her hunger strike, now lasting over a month, has drawn international attention, with calls for her immediate release and a growing focus on the dangers faced by those working to uncover the truth in Georgia.

Independent media in Georgia plays a critical role in upholding democracy and transparency, especially in the face of increasing state repression. Batumelebi, Mautskebeli, and Publika are three vital independent media platforms in Georgia, playing a crucial role in documenting and resisting authoritarianism. Batumelebi provides regional coverage with a focus on human rights and investigative journalism from the Adjara region. Mautskebeli is dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and progressive perspectives, fostering critical dialogue on political and social issues. Publika focuses on social justice, minority rights, and cultural topics, offering in-depth reporting on the struggles of marginalized communities. Supporting independent media like Mautskebeli is essential in ensuring journalistic freedom—donate to their work here.

Support Legal Aid

Those who are facing trials are completely trapped in a deeply flawed system. The justice system in Georgia is so thoroughly corrupted that there is no need for real charges to imprison or punish protesters—it's all about silencing dissent and protecting the interests of those in power. The legal proceedings are often a mere formality, where fairness and due process are non-existent. To make matters worse, not a single police officer has been held accountable for the brutal violence they have inflicted on demonstrators. This lack of accountability only reinforces the state’s commitment to maintaining control through force and intimidation, while protesters continue to fight for their fundamental rights and freedoms.Demonstrations have been organized around the spaces of the trials, as protesters continue to demand justice and accountability for those facing politically motivated charges.

The Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA) has provided over 1.3 million instances of free legal aid and consultations, supporting marginalized groups such as women, children, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and minority communities. Their lawyers represent clients in both local and international courts, working on strategic cases that have significantly impacted individuals and communities.

In the context of protests, GYLA defends those unjustly arrested, detained, or facing political persecution. The organization also advocates for systemic legal reforms to protect human rights and improve Georgia’s legal framework. Through its internship program, GYLA empowers the next generation of legal professionals. You can support GYLA's work by donating through their official website: Donate to GYLA, or sharing about their work with others.

Support Strike Funds

Strikes show that resistance is not just about momentary outrage but about sustained collective action. They build stronger alliances between workers, students, and activists, reinforcing the movement’s ability to withstand repression.Theatre workers, organizations, and freelance artists are at the forefront of the strike, standing against police repression and in defense of democratic values. Most workers in the sector have already joined, setting a powerful precedent.They are not only speaking up at demonstrations but also organizing performative actions in the streets, turning public spaces into sites of protest and resistance. Their creative interventions amplify the voices of those fighting for democracy, making the struggle more visible and emotionally powerful. Through their actions, they demonstrate that art is not separate from politics but an essential force in movements for justice and freedom.

The Georgian Guild of Film and Theatre Workers unites cultural workers to advocate for labor rights and artistic freedom. They have launched a strike fund to support workers whose income depends on earnings-based work, ensuring that those who take a stand are not left without public support. Donations will aid private and independent theaters, as well as couriers facing similar precarity.

Account Number: GE21BG0000000603338492

Recipient: N(N)LE Workers’ Union

Purpose: Strengthen the Strike

PayPal: shromaunion@gmail.com

Support CrowFunds

Grassroots movements and organizing are the lifeblood of Georgia’s ongoing demonstrations, uniting diverse communities in the fight against authoritarianism and systemic injustice. These movements rely on collective efforts to coordinate protests, provide legal and medical aid, and amplify the voices of those facing repression. Supporting crowdfunding campaigns like Donate for Tbilisi Demonstrations, Help Media in the Fight for Democracy in Georgia, and Support the Fight for Democracy and Freedom in Georgiais crucial to sustaining these efforts. Donations help cover essential needs like legal fees, medical expenses, independent journalism, and protest logistics.

Support with Care

We can also show support by reaching out to friends and comrades who are facing struggles, particularly those actively engaged in resistance or under pressure. Taking a moment to ask how they’re doing and expressing care, solidarity, and empathy can be an important form of political support. This kind of emotional and moral solidarity nurtures the collective strength needed to withstand oppressive systems. By affirming each other's humanity and offering reassurance in the midst of hardship, we help build resilient networks of mutual care, where the struggle for justice is not only fought in the streets or through formal actions but also in our daily acts of connection and support. These gestures remind us that, in our fight against oppression, our collective well-being is at the heart of our struggle.

Transnational solidarity and care are crucial not only for the freedom and dignity of the people in Georgia but also as part of a broader struggle against rising authoritarianism in the region. The geopolitical dynamics in the wake of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine have cast a long shadow over Eastern and Central Europe, spreading imperialist influence that threatens the democratic fabric of countries such as Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Serbia, and Slovakia. These are not isolated struggles but part of a larger, interconnected fight for democracy, justice, and human rights. It is imperative that we remain vigilant, deeply invested, and engaged with the struggles of others, recognizing that the fight for freedom in one country is intrinsically linked to the fight for freedom in all. By caring for each other, supporting grassroots movements, and standing in solidarity, we can contribute to a collective resistance that challenges authoritarianism and defends the rights of all people, no matter where they are.

Support with Transnational Actions

Supporting local Georgian communities worldwide is a powerful way to stand in solidarity with the resistance movement in Georgia. Many Georgian diaspora groups are actively organizing protests, awareness campaigns, and fundraising efforts to support those on the ground. By participating in their demonstrations, amplifying their voices, and joining their actions, we help sustain international pressure against repression. Organizing solidarity events—such as discussions, film screenings, or artistic actions—can further raise awareness and mobilize broader support. In moments of struggle, transnational solidarity strengthens resistance and ensures that those fighting for democracy in Georgia are not alone.

The people of Georgia are at the forefront of a powerful resistance against growing authoritarianism and repression. Despite the state's violent crackdowns and systemic efforts to suppress dissent, the courage and resilience of grassroots movements continue to inspire hope and action. Transnational solidarity is essential to sustaining this resistance, whether through financial support, raising awareness, or offering emotional solidarity. As global citizens, we have a responsibility to amplify the voices of those who are fighting for justice, equality, and freedom in Georgia, ensuring their struggle is not forgotten.

By standing together, we contribute to a larger fight against the forces of oppression that transcend borders, advancing the cause of human rights and democratic values.