Gakharia Charged, Georgia's Crackdown on Opposition Intensifies

On November twelfth, Georgian prosecutors charged prominent opposition leader and former prime minister, Giorgi Gakharia, with exceeding authority and causing injury to individuals. These charges stem from a violent crackdown on protests in 2019 and an alleged illegal checkpoint establishment. Gakharia, currently in Germany, could face up to thirteen years in prison. This move comes amidst a growing crackdown on political opponents of the ruling Georgian Dream party, which is accused of becoming more authoritarian and pro-Russian. Last week, prosecutors also charged other opposition leaders with plotting to overthrow the government. The Georgian Dream party, led by billionaire ex-prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, has threatened to ban three largest opposition parties, but has not targeted Gakharias party yet. The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.