Following current developments in Kyrgyzstan on Twitter, I noticed the hashtag #freekg...
We've seen the eventual transformation of a 'Tulip Revolution' in Kyrgyzstan, 'Rose Revolution' in Georgia...'Democrats' turned into autocrats.
#freekg? I do not think so... Will abstain from using #freekg on Twitter, as not sure that current opposition there won't be the same after they come to the power.
I know, I know, similar thoughts could be applied to Armenia too. Anyway...
Sad that reality check ruins people's hopes like that...
Showing posts with label tbilisi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tbilisi. Show all posts
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Friday, 20 February 2009
Yerevan-2 for Tbilisi?
Burjanadze Calls on Senior Officials to Defect from Saakashvili
Civil.ge
Nino Burjanadze, former parliamentary speaker and leader of Democratic Movement–United Georgia party, called on senior political officials “to distance yourselves from the criminal government.”
“Your resignations would contribute to peaceful and safe completion of the current processes,” she said in a statement on February 19, referring to her calls for President Saakashvili’s resignation and holding of early presidential elections.
She also called on the public sector workers not to obey “dirty orders” of the authorities and instead to continue serving “only people and not the odd ambitions of President Saakashvili.”
“We believe that all the professionals and patriots should remain in the service of Georgia, irrespective of their political preferences. Only those civil servants should be held accountable who were involved in the criminal activities,” Burjanadze said.
On February 17 Burjanadze called on the opposition parties to “consolidate” and jointly pressure President Saakashvili to resign through protest rallies.
Civil.ge
Nino Burjanadze, former parliamentary speaker and leader of Democratic Movement–United Georgia party, called on senior political officials “to distance yourselves from the criminal government.”
“Your resignations would contribute to peaceful and safe completion of the current processes,” she said in a statement on February 19, referring to her calls for President Saakashvili’s resignation and holding of early presidential elections.
She also called on the public sector workers not to obey “dirty orders” of the authorities and instead to continue serving “only people and not the odd ambitions of President Saakashvili.”
“We believe that all the professionals and patriots should remain in the service of Georgia, irrespective of their political preferences. Only those civil servants should be held accountable who were involved in the criminal activities,” Burjanadze said.
On February 17 Burjanadze called on the opposition parties to “consolidate” and jointly pressure President Saakashvili to resign through protest rallies.
Thursday, 12 February 2009
“Being religious” is getting out of hand in Georgia
In Armenia, this trend is still more at the level of “showing off”: building ‘private’ churches, references to God and bible… In Georgia, this trend evolved into something much more serious and worrisome, to the dangerously bizarre extent.
Below are selected lines from the EurasiaNet report Georgia: Faith Is The Fashion, As Church Influence Soars:
Nearly two decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Georgian Orthodox Church has become one of the most prominent actors in Georgia’s social and political life. […]
The church’s rising influence is also reflected in polls. In 2003, 38.6 percent of 1,000 respondents in a survey conducted for Tbilisi’s International Center on Conflict and Resolution named the patriarchy as Georgia’s most trustworthy institution. By 2008, the number had jumped to 86.6 percent. […]
"Let’s say [it] openly: Today it is unthinkable to ignore a personal request from the patriarch, Ilia II, because his authority is tremendous." […]
Meanwhile, on the streets of Tbilisi, public expressions of faith are becoming ever more commonplace. Pedestrians and drivers alike routinely stop in front of churches -- or within sight of a church -- to cross themselves. Small shops selling icons and religious paraphernalia are multiplying rapidly. A clerk at one such shop in central Tbilisi estimated that some 100-150 customers now visit her store each day.
"To be faithful . . . has become fashionable," concluded sociologist Nijaradze. "It has become the social norm."
Below are selected lines from the EurasiaNet report Georgia: Faith Is The Fashion, As Church Influence Soars:
Nearly two decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Georgian Orthodox Church has become one of the most prominent actors in Georgia’s social and political life. […]
The church’s rising influence is also reflected in polls. In 2003, 38.6 percent of 1,000 respondents in a survey conducted for Tbilisi’s International Center on Conflict and Resolution named the patriarchy as Georgia’s most trustworthy institution. By 2008, the number had jumped to 86.6 percent. […]
"Let’s say [it] openly: Today it is unthinkable to ignore a personal request from the patriarch, Ilia II, because his authority is tremendous." […]
Meanwhile, on the streets of Tbilisi, public expressions of faith are becoming ever more commonplace. Pedestrians and drivers alike routinely stop in front of churches -- or within sight of a church -- to cross themselves. Small shops selling icons and religious paraphernalia are multiplying rapidly. A clerk at one such shop in central Tbilisi estimated that some 100-150 customers now visit her store each day.
"To be faithful . . . has become fashionable," concluded sociologist Nijaradze. "It has become the social norm."
Friday, 31 October 2008
Only in Georgia...
Matthew Collin posts this amusing photo (by Ana Iaseshvili) from Tbilisi which shows “Georgia's new Minister for Refugees making his preferences clear” in relation to the upcoming US presidential elections. While most people outside the US would prefer Barak Obama’s victory on 4 November, in Georgia - preferences are for John McCain.
No surprises here, as “George Bush remains a popular figure in Georgia" (photo).
No surprises here, as “George Bush remains a popular figure in Georgia" (photo). 
Monday, 27 October 2008
Armenian Minority Rights Violated by the Georgian Authorities (new facts and statement)
The construction of wall around Norashen church /18.10.2008/Statement by Yerkir Union of Non-governmental Organisations for Repatriation and Settlement
To All International Organizations, Embassies and Human Rights Structures Operating in Georgia
Despite international obligations assumed by the Georgian government for the protection of the rights of ethnic minorities in Georgia, despite numerous recommendations and appeals by international organizations, including the UN Human rights commission and human rights NGO-s to respect these obligations, the Georgian authorities continue to ignore and disregard issues of concern to the Armenian minority, contributing moreover, by a number of new steps, to the aggravation of tensions and the increase of discontent.
Within this context, the Georgian authorities have not only continued to disregard repeated demands by the Georgian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church asking to be handed over Armenian churches of Georgia and particularly the Norashen church in Tbilisi, confiscated in the soviet era, but have also tacitly encouraged and sometimes even actively helped hostile actions on behalf of the Georgian clergy which is actively embarked for a certain time now in the process of self-appropriation of the Armenian churches in Georgia. In this line of action, the Georgian authorities recently provided once again construction permits to the clergy of the Georgian church neighboring Norashen, allowing it to build around Norashen a surrounding wall carrying Georgian religious ornaments, considerably complicating in this way the access to the Armenian church.
Due to protest actions of the Armenian community of Tbilisi and to appeals emanating from Armenian Apostolic Church authorities, several Armenian NGOs, including “Yerkir” Organization, it was possible to temporarily halt in May of the current year the hostile activities of Georgian priests, but construction works around the Armenian Norashen church resumed on a wide scale a few days ago (see attached photos).
In addition to this hostile policy towards the Armenian Apostolic Church in Georgia, while dealing with the Armenian minority in their country, Georgian authorities continue to violate basic international human rights’ and democratic norms pertaining to this field. Thus, among other shortcomings within this context, they continue to maintain politically-motivated criminal charges against the political activists of the Armenian populated Javakheti region and their family members, lately arrested and imprisoned without real foundations.
Thus, Arthur Poghosyan, an activist of the political movement “Democratic Alliance “United Javakhk”, was recently sentenced to 2.5 years of imprisonment on the basis of fabricated charges. Another activist of the movement, Gurgen Shirinyan, has a search warrant issued against him by the authorities, while his father and aunt are detained and waiting trial. The leader of “United Javakhk”, Vahagn Chakahlyan, in turn, as well as his juvenile brother, are also in detention in Tbilisi, while their father, Rouben Chakhalyan, has been set free on bail.
Other issues which are a matter of concern for the Armenian minority still remain unresolved:
- the Armenian Apostolic Church continues to be deprived of a status of legal entity;
- the Armenian Minority in Georgia, particularly the part of it living compactly in the Javakheti region, continues to be under-represented in all spheres of public life;
- the Georgian central Government continues to enforce the laws obliging minorities to use exclusively the Georgian language in all fields of public activity, and particularly in the local administrations and local educational system within the context of regional self-government.
- posts in the local administration, educational sphere or any other post for the holders of professional diplomas continue to be contingent on the knowledge of the Georgian language.
Under the actual circumstances, while Georgia is still recovering with difficulty from the consequences of the recent armed conflict with Russia and is announcing the launching of a wave of democratization reforms and the enforcement of the rule of law, such a treatment by the Georgian authorities of its Armenian minority looks in fact much more irrational.
Taking into consideration the above mentioned facts, “Yerkir” Union calls upon the appropriate and specialized structures of the United Nations, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe, as well as of all other concerned international organizations and human rights bodies, to take immediate and direct measures to restrain Georgia’s negative current behavior against its Armenian minority, to put an end to the political persecutions in Javakheti, and to facilitate the emergence of a solution for the Armenian community of Georgia, as far as its minority rights are the issue, and in particular, to ensure this result by obtaining from the Georgian authorities to:
1. Set free all political prisoners recently detained in Javakheti and withdraw all politically motivated criminal charges against them;
2. Implement the rule of law and guarantee the security of the Armenian population of Javakheti;
3. Ensure the freedom of faith in the country and register the Armenian Apostolic Church as a legal entity in Georgia;
4. Return all confiscated places of worship to their legitimate owners;
5. Allow by law the use of the Armenian language in all spheres of public life in the local administrations of all regions where Armenians represent a majority.
The international community must act now to avoid further aggravation of the situation and prevent the emergence of a new seat of conflict.
24 October 2008
Saturday, 9 August 2008
Georgia - Russia: War Is On
It is too painful to read and see Russian air strikes at Georgia or tanks on the ground… But it is impossible for me to sympathise with Georgia’s state level militaristic-nationalistic stance towards Ossetia… It is impossible to sympathise with Georgia’s not infrequent discriminatory policies towards ethnic minorities, including Armenians. At the end of the day, some may say this is not really about Ossetia or Georgia, it’s about USA and Russia. While international politics play key roles in escalating the conflict, there are some essential local issues and responsibilities which Georgian authorities prefer us not to notice.
Last year when president Saakashvili ordered violent dispersal of peaceful protesters in Tbilisi, I wrote about the end of Saakashvili’s fairy tale (People under attack: the real face of Georgian ‘democracy’.) I believed back then that Georgians would not forgive him, although now he may become a kind of national hero fighting Russians... There is no way, I wrote, that Georgia will have future with this guy. (If you need any additional proof, have a look at Saakashvili’s interview with the CNN)
*source of photo
Last year when president Saakashvili ordered violent dispersal of peaceful protesters in Tbilisi, I wrote about the end of Saakashvili’s fairy tale (People under attack: the real face of Georgian ‘democracy’.) I believed back then that Georgians would not forgive him, although now he may become a kind of national hero fighting Russians... There is no way, I wrote, that Georgia will have future with this guy. (If you need any additional proof, have a look at Saakashvili’s interview with the CNN)
*source of photo
Sunday, 16 March 2008
Washington, DC: Vigil For Peace In Armenia & Georgia
Democracy Initiative for Armenia and Georgia is holding a joint Vigil For Peace In Armenia & Georgia on 18 March 2008, Washington, DC.
Below is their announcement:
People are struggling for their civil rights in Yerevan and Tbilisi
-50 peaceful demonstrators killed in Yerevan, Armenia on March 1st, 2008 [Unzipped - official data: 7 civilians, 1 policeman]
-68 hunger strikers in Tbilisi, Georgia
-100s of political prisoners in both countries
…and counting!!!!
Immediate action is needed! Let us do what we can to help them from Washington, DC!
In both Georgia and Armenia the governments have been praised for their democratic achievements by the West, for which they have been given billions of US taxpayer dollars. Democracy activists around the world are organizing to oppose the authoritarian regimes in the South Caucasus. All those concerned about human rights, democracy, peace-building and human lives should join their forces to fight injustices. Democracy is borderless! Solidarity strengthens human rights internationally.
Let's join together to hold a Vigil in Washington, DC on March 18, 2008 at 1PM.
Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Time: 1PM
Location: In front of Armenian and Georgian Embassies in Washington, DC.
Saturday, 10 November 2007
More dramatic updates from Tbilisi
via TOL Georgia, a video footage from shut down by authorities independent Imedi TV containing even more dramatic footage of violence against people. This TV station will remain closed for at least 3 more months due to significant damages caused to their equipment. So here we are, Saakashvili indeed 'listened' to people by calling a snap presidential elections in January. He attacked peaceful protesters, closed down independent media, declared state emergency, initiated criminal proceedings against opposition leaders ('Russian secret agents'), and no, it is not what you think, it is all in the name of democracy, to ensure free and fair elections. There is no way that Georgia will have future with this guy.
According to TOL Georgia, Georgia’s Ambassador to Swiss Confederation and Head of the Mission of Georgia in the International Organizations in Geneva, resigned from his post as a protest to authorities who used force against peaceful demonstrators.
Resistance Georgia is a new blog set up by a human rights lawyer, former President of Georgian Young Lawyers Association Anna Dolidze, who is currently based in New York. She is the author of online petition against State violence in Georgia I published earlier in my blogs (here and here). Anna dedicates her blog to "non-violent resistance to Saakashvili's dictatorial regime in Georgia."
According to TOL Georgia, Georgia’s Ambassador to Swiss Confederation and Head of the Mission of Georgia in the International Organizations in Geneva, resigned from his post as a protest to authorities who used force against peaceful demonstrators.
Resistance Georgia is a new blog set up by a human rights lawyer, former President of Georgian Young Lawyers Association Anna Dolidze, who is currently based in New York. She is the author of online petition against State violence in Georgia I published earlier in my blogs (here and here). Anna dedicates her blog to "non-violent resistance to Saakashvili's dictatorial regime in Georgia."
Thursday, 8 November 2007
Stop abuses by the government of Georgia
Georgians - in information blockade
Petition:
We, undersigned, call on the international community:
1) to interfere urgently in the crisis in Georgia to prevent further casualties and deterioration of situation;
2) to condemn massive violation of human rights by the law enforcement agencies of Georgia;
3) to pressure the Georgian government to stop persecution of opposition members and dissenters;
4) to influence President Mikhail Saakashvili and his government to cancel emergency rule and remove ban from the media;
5) to compel the Georgian government to release all political prisoners.
Please sign this petition following the link bellow and distribute it as wide as possible:
http://www.gopetition.com/online/15126.html
For details - see Unzipped: Gay Armenia
Petition:
We, undersigned, call on the international community:
1) to interfere urgently in the crisis in Georgia to prevent further casualties and deterioration of situation;
2) to condemn massive violation of human rights by the law enforcement agencies of Georgia;
3) to pressure the Georgian government to stop persecution of opposition members and dissenters;
4) to influence President Mikhail Saakashvili and his government to cancel emergency rule and remove ban from the media;
5) to compel the Georgian government to release all political prisoners.
Please sign this petition following the link bellow and distribute it as wide as possible:
http://www.gopetition.com/online/15126.html
For details - see Unzipped: Gay Armenia
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
People under attack: the real face of Georgian 'democracy'
Brutal force, tear gas and water cannons to break up opposition rally
This is the end of Saakashvili's fairy tale. This seem to be the end of Saakashvili's regime.
Georgians will not forgive him for this attack.
*update(1)
I think Saakashvili seriously suffers from spy-mania. Actually, it’s a very convenient pathological condition, successfully used back in Soviet times and elsewhere to shut dissident voices. As expected, he blamed everything on Russia, and Russian “special agents”. An extremely convenient trick for anyone who perhaps feels that grounds under his power are shattering. He used it before too, and apparently from now on any discontent with his policy and regime will be considered a treason. Good old days are back. And good to ensure continuous Western support too.
My Georgian friend from Tbilisi blamed opposition too. He condemned government’s excessive use of force but suggested that opposition was to blame too. They provoked police and were not really up for a dialogue with the ruling regime, and “both sides acted ugly.” I am sure that opposition is not any better (just names of people who are behind the opposition are enough to put me off; also ridiculous mass prayers during their rallies – oh dear…). But I know one thing, when those in ruling power use excessive force against civilians, there is something wrong with their power. Therefore, I blame government. I can’t imagine that Saakashvili will survive. In any case, as long as he is in power, there will be no calm in Georgia and no prospect for democracy.
*update(2)
...Georgian authorities effectively closed down pro-opposition TV station... and in further dramatic developments, a state of emergency was declared in Tbilisi. It was announced at government briefing. My friend says that government pointed out "attempt of coup" as a reason behind the limiting freedom of assembly and freedom of speech. What a symbolic day to do so - 7 November! First- force, then- spy-mania, now- shut down of 'enemy' TV station and emergency situation.
***
P.S.
"It became clear today that there is no democracy in Georgia",- says Georgia's Ombudsman - chief Human Rights Defender, who was among those under tear gas attack and witnessed beatings of people and journalists. He compared Georgia with Lukashenko's Belarus. He promised to do whatever possible to restore democracy and human rights in the country. "There is very long way to go."
***
for photos from the event - see Unzipped: Gay Armenia
This is the end of Saakashvili's fairy tale. This seem to be the end of Saakashvili's regime.
Georgians will not forgive him for this attack.
*update(1)
I think Saakashvili seriously suffers from spy-mania. Actually, it’s a very convenient pathological condition, successfully used back in Soviet times and elsewhere to shut dissident voices. As expected, he blamed everything on Russia, and Russian “special agents”. An extremely convenient trick for anyone who perhaps feels that grounds under his power are shattering. He used it before too, and apparently from now on any discontent with his policy and regime will be considered a treason. Good old days are back. And good to ensure continuous Western support too.
My Georgian friend from Tbilisi blamed opposition too. He condemned government’s excessive use of force but suggested that opposition was to blame too. They provoked police and were not really up for a dialogue with the ruling regime, and “both sides acted ugly.” I am sure that opposition is not any better (just names of people who are behind the opposition are enough to put me off; also ridiculous mass prayers during their rallies – oh dear…). But I know one thing, when those in ruling power use excessive force against civilians, there is something wrong with their power. Therefore, I blame government. I can’t imagine that Saakashvili will survive. In any case, as long as he is in power, there will be no calm in Georgia and no prospect for democracy.
*update(2)
...Georgian authorities effectively closed down pro-opposition TV station... and in further dramatic developments, a state of emergency was declared in Tbilisi. It was announced at government briefing. My friend says that government pointed out "attempt of coup" as a reason behind the limiting freedom of assembly and freedom of speech. What a symbolic day to do so - 7 November! First- force, then- spy-mania, now- shut down of 'enemy' TV station and emergency situation.
***
P.S.
"It became clear today that there is no democracy in Georgia",- says Georgia's Ombudsman - chief Human Rights Defender, who was among those under tear gas attack and witnessed beatings of people and journalists. He compared Georgia with Lukashenko's Belarus. He promised to do whatever possible to restore democracy and human rights in the country. "There is very long way to go."
***
for photos from the event - see Unzipped: Gay Armenia
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