UWC condemns violence against protesters in Georgia, calls for increased sanctions on Ivanishvili regime

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) is deeply troubled by the recent crackdown on peaceful protesters, journalists, and opposition leaders in Tbilisi, Georgia. This brutal response took place during the 67th day of mass protests against the Georgian Dream party’s pro-Russian government, which has lost legitimacy in the eyes of both the Georgian people and the international democratic community.

We call upon the global democratic leaders, particularly the EU and the US, to impose more stringent sanctions on the authoritarian regime in Tbilisi. This includes additional sanctions on Georgia’s pro-Russian oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is a key figure behind the erosion of Georgian democracy and the de facto shadow ruler of Georgia.

“Each passing day under the Georgian Dream’s rule plunges Georgia deeper into pro-Russian authoritarianism. We witness the emergence of a police state that normalizes violence against civilians and persecutes dissenters. Ivanishvili’s regime has resorted to state-sponsored persecution to suppress Georgian patriots who simply aspire for a better future within the family of free European nations,” stated UWC President Paul Grod.

On February 2, Georgian police conducted a brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters in downtown Tbilisi, which included severe beatings, mass arrests, and intimidation. Among those detained were Nika Melia, leader of the liberal pro-European Akhali party, and Gigi Ugulava, former Tbilisi mayor and a key opposition figure. Both have been long-time critics of the Georgian Dream regime, and their arrests—widely seen as politically motivated—mark a dangerous escalation in the government’s repression of opposition leaders. Although both were later released, they reported beatings and cruel treatment by the police, further underscoring the regime’s growing use of violence to silence dissent.

The Georgian Dream government faces growing international isolation and mounting accusations of democratic backsliding after claiming victory in the October 2024 parliamentary vote, which was not recognized as free and fair by most democratic countries, and the seizure of power in the country.

“The recent events in Georgia are yet another chapter in Russia’s playbook of destabilizing neighboring countries and subjugating nations aspiring to European values and freedoms. The international community must not abandon the people of Georgia, who are fighting for freedom and democracy, and must not let Russia win. The Ivanishvili regime must face immediate sanctions!” stated Grod.

The UWC urges all freedom-loving people and Ukrainian communities worldwide to amplify the voices of the Georgian people, support peaceful demonstrations, and advocate for decisive measures that protect Georgia’s sovereignty and democratic foundation.