**Georgia’s “Strong Georgia” Coalition Faces Ongoing Persecution**
The leaders of Georgia’s opposition party, “Strong Georgia,” are facing increasing persecution at the hands of the government. Irakli Kupradze, Secretary General of the coalition, has spoken out against the harassment and intimidation tactics used by the ruling party, led by Bidzina Ivanishvili.
According to Kupradze, Ivanishvili’s regime has established a police authoritarian system in Georgia, which is using its power to silence opposition voices. The latest victim of this persecution is Badri Japaridze, who was summoned to appear before a parliamentary commission but failed to attend. He subsequently gave testimony to a magistrate judge and was charged with failing to comply with the commission’s request.
**A Bail of 50,000 GEL: A Price for Speaking Out**
As part of this crackdown on dissenting voices, Japaridze has been ordered to pay a bail of 50,000 GEL as a preventive measure. This move is seen by many as an attempt to muzzle Japaridze and prevent him from speaking out against the government’s actions.
Kupradze has vowed that “Strong Georgia” will continue to fight against Ivanishvili’s regime, despite the ongoing persecution. He has also announced plans to inform Western partners about the illegality of the court system in Georgia, which is seen as being controlled by the ruling party.
**Commentary: A Sign of a Broader Crackdown**
The ongoing persecution of “Strong Georgia” leaders suggests that Ivanishvili’s regime is becoming increasingly authoritarian and repressive. The use of bail as a means to silence opposition voices raises serious concerns about the state of Georgia’s justice system.
This development also highlights the need for greater scrutiny from international partners, who are often critical of human rights abuses in countries like Georgia. As Kupradze has stated, it is crucial that Western governments are informed about the situation on the ground and take steps to ensure that Georgia adheres to democratic standards.
In a broader context, this persecution is part of a worrying trend in the region, where authoritarian regimes are increasingly using their power to silence dissenting voices. It remains to be seen how events will unfold in Georgia, but one thing is clear: the fight for democracy and freedom will not be silenced by these tactics.
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