Prepared by Messenger Staff
U.S. Senators Warn Against Georgian Dream's Power Consolidation and Back MEGOBARI Act
The Georgian Dream government is aggressively moving to consolidate power, according to a joint statement by U.S. Helsinki Commission Chair Senator Roger Wicker and Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a leading member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. They expressed strong support for advancing the bipartisan MEGOBARI Act as soon as the Senate schedule allows.
The senators emphasized that democratic governments should not see organizations as threats. They criticized Georgian Dream for intensifying repression of the political opposition this week by arresting and sentencing several pro-democracy leaders on politically motivated charges.
Senators Wicker and Shaheen stated, "The Georgian Dream government is aggressively moving toward power consolidation, silencing independent voices through anti-democratic actions, resembling Lukashenko's regime in Belarus." They added, "The scale of information demanded from civil society organizations is likely illegal, but also so extensive that it will inevitably lead to noncompliance. The actions of Georgian Dream, which we understand to be directed by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, aim to paralyze the important work of groups such as the Open Society Foundation, the Economic Policy Research Center, Transparency International Georgia, Sapari, the Academy of the Future, the Media Development Foundation, and the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy."
The statement continued, "Simply put, democratic governments should not view organizations that support independent media, fight Kremlin propaganda, combat corruption, and empower women or youth as threats. Just as these groups protect the private information of Georgian citizens and sources from government overreach, we will use our voices and legislation to stand with them. In this regard, we support advancing the bipartisan 'MEGOBARI Act' as soon as the Senate schedule allows."
Elene Khoshtaria Says Arrests Are Intended to Break the Public's Spirit
Elene Khoshtaria, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, says that the recent arrests are intended to psychologically break the opposition and convince the public that resistance is futile. Khoshtaria emphasized the need for unity around a clear strategy that includes rejecting the legitimacy of local elections, calling for sanctions, and organizing a large rally to present the movement's plan of action.
She stated that the primary weapon of modern autocracies is psychological pressure, while propaganda media play a key role in shaping false realities and influencing public perception. According to her, the current wave of arrests serves the exact purpose of instilling fear and submission.
Khoshtaria described the ruling party as losing legitimacy both domestically and internationally, noting that when a regime is not recognized, its existence becomes fragile. She added that internal divisions within the government reflect weakness, though not necessarily imminent defeat. At the same time, she believes Georgia has shown resilience with an unbroken civil society and political opposition. While this does not guarantee victory, she argued it creates a real chance, which depends on how the opposition chooses to act.
She stressed that the majority of the population supports change, but that unity is critical. She called for unity around a clear strategy that includes complete refusal to cooperate with the ruling party, rejection of the legitimacy of upcoming elections, public mobilization, international recognition of the opposition, and the imposition of sanctions.
Khoshtaria added that a large rally to announce the strategy and mobilize support is urgently needed.
