Democracy News

Georgian Government Represses Protests
June 1, 2011
By: Carlos Aramayo | Printer Friendly    

On May 26, protesters in Georgia gathered for a sixth consecutive day of anti-government demonstrations calling for the ouster of President Mikheil Saakashvili. According to BBC News, around 200 demonstrators camped out overnight outside of the headquarters of the Georgian public television station and erected tents near a makeshift stage decorated with posters that stated, "We are fighting for democracy."

At midnight the Georgian Police reportedly used excessive force to disperse the gathered protesters. The government stated that their permit had expired and the crowds were sprayed with water and tear gas within minutes after time ran out. According to the New York Times, the violent clashes resulted in hundreds of people being wounded and the death of one policeman. The crackdown marked the worst street violence in the Georgia since 2007, when police violently broke up a far larger demonstration. Back then protestors demanded early parliamentary elections and other reforms aimed at lessening the government's centralized hold on power.

AFP reported that the demonstrations are an attempt by the more radical branch of the Georgian opposition to assert itself on the political stage that Saakashvili has largely dominated for nearly eight years. Among those leading the protests is Nino Burjanadze, Saakashvili's key ally in the 2003 Rose Revolution that led him to power. Burjanadze's People's Assembly opposition movement has been joined by the Georgian Party, an opposition group led by several high-profile politicians. The moderate Opposition 8 group, led by former United Nations Ambassador Irakli Alasania, has reportedly distanced itself from the protests.

BBC News reported that protests originally began on May 21, but have since dwindled in size. Previously, thousands of protesters gathered outside the Georgian public television headquarters to accuse Saakashvili of Soviet-style governing tactics.

The United States Ambassador to Georgia, John Bass, expressed concern about reports of excessive use of force, telling reporters in the capital city of Tbilisi that the Georgian government should investigate them thoroughly. Bass reportedly stated that the mayor had offered protesters an alternative venue, before clearing the street for the parade, the New York Times reported.

In an interview with the New York Times, Rachel Denber, the Europe and Central Asia deputy director for Human Rights Watch stated that, “Even if the Tbilisi demonstration was unauthorized, nothing can justify the beating of largely peaceful demonstrators.” This is not the first time that Saakashvili has been under severe criticism both at home and abroad, in 2007 his image as a democratic reformer was tarnished after Georgian police violently repressed protests against his government. Countering the accusations, Saakashvili has repeatedly suggested that Russia was behind the protests, saying that protestors were not looking for “freedom of speech.” According to him protestors were looking for “violence and victims.”

In an attempt to justify its actions, the Georgian interior ministry released an audio recording that officials said showed Burdzhanadze and her son while they discussed ways to overthrow the government. In response, Burdzhanadze said the recordings were tampered with and excerpts were taken out of context. Police also detained two of her aides in the vehicular manslaughter case, though Burdzhanadze denied the car was hers, the New York Times additionally reported.

On May 30, AFP reported that prosecutors in Georgia charged Badri Bitsadze, Burdzhanadze’s husband with organizing attacks on police, using paramilitary groups.

For previous news on Georgia, please see:
Georgian Lawyers Suspend Protest against Electoral System

Sources:
New York Times – Riot Police Break Up Opposition Protest in Georgia

New York Times – Charges for Opposition Protest in Georgia

BBC News – Georgia: Anti-Saakashvili protesters vow to continue

AFP – Protesters rally for third day in Georgia