Georgian President Sounds Alarm on Russian Disinformation and Democratic Backsliding
In a compelling testimony before the UK Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili painted a stark picture of her country’s increasingly precarious political landscape, warning of escalating Russian influence and the erosion of democratic institutions. Zourabichvili’s appearance, part of a hearing on "Disinformation diplomacy," focused heavily on Georgia’s vulnerability to Russian interference and the urgent need for Western intervention. The President argued that Georgia is rapidly transforming into a "grey zone" where individuals and entities sanctioned by the West can circumvent restrictions, facilitated by lax financial regulations and a compromised judicial system. She stressed the alarming parallels between the Georgian government’s recent crackdown on civil society and media and Russia’s own repressive tactics, highlighting the accelerated pace of democratic decline in Georgia.
Zourabichvili’s testimony provided a chilling account of the deteriorating situation within Georgia. She cited the recent passage of restrictive laws targeting media and civil society organizations, asserting that "practically everybody is in one way or another under the repressive laws." The President pointed to the arbitrary detention of hundreds of protesters, with dozens remaining imprisoned, and detailed disturbing accounts of activists disappearing only to resurface in police custody. She further condemned the alleged mistreatment of detainees, referencing the case of opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria, who accused police of assault and degrading treatment. Zourabichvili repeatedly underscored the similarities between these actions and the methods employed by the Russian government, raising concerns about the creeping influence of authoritarian practices.
Despite the grim realities, Zourabichvili emphasized the resilience of Georgian civil society, highlighting its history of resistance and determination to oppose government oppression. She contrasted Georgia’s situation with that of Belarus, noting that Georgia’s long-standing relationship with the EU and US, including significant investments in institutional reform, provides a crucial lifeline and isolates the current government. However, she stressed that this support is insufficient to counter the growing threat of Russian disinformation and political manipulation. Zourabichvili argued that Georgia has become a testing ground for Russian tactics, which are subsequently deployed in other conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine. She called for a more robust Western response, urging a shift from punitive sanctions to a "stick and carrot" approach linked to concrete conditions for improved behavior.
Zourabichvili’s criticisms extended to the West’s perceived inaction in countering Russian disinformation campaigns. She claimed that Georgia has received inadequate support in combating pro-Russian narratives, despite its strategic importance as a frontline state. The President specifically called on the UK to consider sanctioning Imedi, a London-based television station accused of serving as a propaganda outlet for the ruling Georgian Dream party. She also criticized the current sanctions regime, arguing that its focus on punishment fails to address the root causes of the problem and does not effectively incentivize behavioral change. Zourabichvili advocated for a more strategic approach, linking sanctions to specific conditions aimed at promoting democratic reforms and curtailing Russian influence.
The President’s testimony highlighted the critical role of the 2024 parliamentary elections, which she described as a potential target for sophisticated Russian manipulation. She urged increased vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. Zourabichvili welcomed the UK government’s recent decision to place Russia on the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, requiring individuals working for the Russian state to declare their activities or face potential legal consequences. She expressed hope that this move would contribute to a broader recognition of the threat posed by Russian interference and pave the way for a more comprehensive strategy to counter its malign influence.
In a separate announcement, President Zourabichvili unveiled the creation of a "platform of resistance," inviting all pro-European parties and groups aligned with the demands of the protest movement to join forces. This initiative underscores the President’s commitment to fostering a united front against democratic backsliding and preserving Georgia’s European aspirations. The platform aims to channel the energy of civil society and opposition forces into a cohesive movement capable of effectively challenging the government’s authoritarian drift and safeguarding Georgia’s democratic future. The success of this initiative will depend on the ability of diverse political actors to overcome their differences and coalesce around a shared vision for a democratic and pro-European Georgia.