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https://theconversation.com/we-do-not-want-to-be-like-russia-a-first-hand-account-of-georgias-fight-for-democracy-229491>
"On a freezing spring night in March, Georgia’s national soccer team beat
Greece in a nail-biter penalty shootout to qualify for the Euro 2024
championships. The atmosphere on the streets of the capital Tbilisi was
electric – it was a euphoric and self-affirming moment for the small Caucasian
nation. More than just a soccer match, it signalled to many Georgians their
country was on the right path after finally gaining official European Union
candidate status in December 2023.
Barely six weeks later, however, Georgia’s European future hangs in the
balance. The warm, convivial atmosphere of that post-match night has been
replaced by violent street clashes between security forces and anti-government
protesters who fear the increasing Russification of their country.
From my house in Tbilisi, I hear the reverberations of these demonstrations
grow louder each night, moving from their epicentre outside parliament to
Heroes Square – a monument built to honour Georgians who have died fighting
for the integrity of their nation.
As the movement grows beyond Georgia’s capital, tens of thousands continue to
rally against a controversial bill being pushed through parliament by the
ruling Georgian Dream party. Critics say the legislation was taken straight
from the pages of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s playbook."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
