Georgia is an Autocracy

Fear Georgia becoming a dictatorship; hope the georgian people stops it before it is too late

Sadly, it is already a fact, Georgia is an Autocracy. That does not mean, however, that it can't change. If President Saakashvili goes too far to keep his power, against the direct will of his people, the world will intervene. So the people, now with a big burden but a necessity to act, must do all in their power, protest, vote and such.

Georgias problems are many. That they have a very free market, good investment opportunities and big participatian internationally, foremost in military operations, but not limited to that, is the only thing that saves them at the moment. They have had great successes, but they are nothing, if the problems are not fixed. Some of the problems, are clear evidence of an Autocracy, and I will examplefy it here.

To have a full good democracy, you need to have free media. Georgia "tricks" the international community, and are able to stay under the radar, because there are plenty of tv-, news- and media corporations. However, though you have critical voices, it is not acceptable media environment in Georgia. Saakashvili can live with the critical voices, because they only are allowed to be expressed on certain stations, and those have few viewers and can serve a purpose for him, he can call them opposition media and claim that they are biased.

Even though these few, opposition medias, express critical opinions, it still comes at a cost. Some that once was free, and became too big, has been siezed, handed to Mishas friends, and people have lost all its investments. Others have regularly raids against their offices. Values are confiscated, charges invented, and punishments served. What is most clear here, is that Georgia are not able to follow international standards, they take full control, not letting sensitive materials be handed properly first, and make demands of greater production equitment then necessary for each inqury, stopping the productions for limited times.

The biggest problem, is the lack of free debate. People know the cost, monetary-, job- and family wise, of standing up. It is the fear underneath, that is the biggest obstacle. But it is also the governments policy, of not letting themselves be questioned, many ministers don't answer questions, and if they do, only to media that is pro-government. Again they skip under international radar, this year, finally, a debate was set up, where most parties were allowed to participate, but all the underlying, and the facilitations from the pro-government media, stopped, what we would call, a free debate.

It is also an Autocracy, because of the mix of powers. I, myself, has first hand witnessed, that a detective, who got a report, with no evidence, and was judged a "non-case", after the initial first two interviews of the two parties, has been ordered by government, to re-open the case, and proceed. It is politicians, "the mishas" that decide, not police. It is not independent.

Mix of powers also clearly comes to terms, when you know that not only the involved person, but streetching far into family ties, can loose jobs, over difference of oppinion. Again, first hand, I have spoken to a taxi driver who could tell the story, of not getting any jobs, after a disagreement internally at a ministry. Black-listed so to speak. And it is no news. It is well known, many has broken with Misha, but when becoming opposition they will not be touched by anyone, some even magically disappears. And people who are friendly, gets money. If you are in Misha's party, they pay you to campaign, to come to listen to speeches, many opportunities to make money, of course they also hand out jobs. But if you are not, well you can drive a taxi, that is about it!

My first example of mix of powers, was politicians with a hand on police matters. But the police is a whole chapter in itself. There is clearly a reason why Misha fired all police when he came to power, and only hired new young loyal ones. Raising the salary, to keep them loyal, but the biggest problem, the number of them. Tbilisi is crowded with police. And it is good to feel protected, but not surveilled. It is clear that it is, again, like back in the soviet union, you are beeing watched. The police shows up at your house, on the smallest hint of any opposition. Question you for hours, I have a close friend, that only because of statements on facebook, had to go through this. Family interogations, long questioning, in your own home, and it is not a question if "CAN we ask a few questions", you better sitt still! I have also read reports of university students, protesting, young female ones (it was two of them), that because they were active with this, they were also beeing hunted in their own homes, and unortodox methods beeing used. Just for the organizing of the protest, for the interview by the police as to who was behind it (probably wanting to know Ivanishvili is paying us to protest), they STRIP SEARCHED the girls, two young university girls, by several policemen, had to be undressed, and touched, before an interview in their own house. And this is in a very conservative country, of course only to humiliate them, and make people afraid of speaking up.

The police is also violent, not only prison guards. That I have a separate blog post on, but to elaborate, new case shown now, two days ago, a protester arrested, beaten, and before getting his administrative punishment by the court, denied his human rights, by tbilisi court judge, to investigate this, and to put forth evidence, and to deal with these matters. It was actually countered, that he "fell and hurt his knee and had red marks around his wrists" as a police report on his "health" upon arrest, to have all papers in order, while the pictures shows much more, and deep bruises. But the court didn't want to see it!

This is yet another example of proof that Georgia is Autocracy. Administrative punishment and the court. Human Rights Watch (and others) have heavily critized the use and rules made for this. HRW had a report january 2012 going in details how this violates human rights and piece by piece taking the rules appart, and showing the abuse, but Misha wants it this way. The problem is, all that is necessary, is a policeman stating he has been insulted, signing it, and you can have 10-90 days in "prison", with no challenge of it, often without family notified, and these "prisons", actually detention centers, are not up to standards, since it technically is not an arrest and you do not have so many rights. Several is reporting that you even don't get food, you have to rely on relatives coming with food, but these are the relatives who are not told you are beeing held, and not knowing where. Lawyers is not even told where you are, it is a mess, that system, the question is, if anyone has control of these things.

It is shown now, with these protests, that Georgia is Autocracy. Protesters has been arrested in at least 9 cities. Students arranging them are arrested, opposition politicians are arrested. There are much beating, incredible many arrests, too many violations to list here. It is without doubt, that Misha tries to stop it, with all means, and scaring is his best tactic. From earlier years we here of people disappearing, yes probably murdered, they go to any extent necessary!

The west wanted to freeze Lukhasjenko of Belarus out from the Euro 2012 final in soccer, but Misha made his fellow "comrade" feel welcome after all!

The problem is that the government controls the media, to different extents yes, but with seizing options, and fines, it is controlled. Government doesn't only control media, but controlled the prisons where the abuse who sparked the demonstration took place, it was government who had this internal justice set in motion. There are more then 50 people in NGO's now demanding travel/visa restrictions for government officials from the Autocratic state of Georgia, as Belarus dictator Lukashenko has gotten. Misha is on good way to copy his good buddy! Putin would be proud of his prodegy, if they were not enemies. Are they really though? They both need each other, for their political games and gaines.

In addition to media and prison, the government controls the police, they are equally brutal as the prison guards, trained equally well, with good excersizes documented, on how to beat down protests. I belive, they now arrest in so many cities, students and opposition politicians, but in small scale not to get international attention, in hope of bigger and violent protests, so they can have a state of emergency, and sit past their terms.

Of course with the new constitution, giving the power from the President to the Prime Minister, were Misha now IS eligeble, and his statement that they can't leave their developement over in others hands before they are finished, he has already set the road to do a "Putin", but many says he would rather keep sitting in the Presidency on the state of emergency, and some even speculates that he himself, made sure the videos was released, so people would protest violent, so he already then could impose it. The danger is, with the troops now lining up around Ossetia, is if he plans to start a new war, just to keep the power, he has left many options open for himself, to become the next dictator in line, after Lukashenko, Putin, Janukovich and now, himself.

Yes, Georgia is Autocracy, biggest scare is the cooperation over brancehes imprisoning 24.000 prisoners, third most in precentage in the world, to keep the opposition away and to scare people from speaking up. But with media, prison, police, courts, jobs, money and the overstepping of branches, all lead by Misha himself, with no fear of using any methods, he HAS full controll. Trying to strengthen the control by using dirty tricks trying to take Ivanishvilli's passport for example and also now the newest ruling, how they are implementing newer strickter rules on the election monitoring. Everything is set for him to steal the election. CEC now, as of the latest ruling, only allows 10 minuts free filming in voting stations. And we all know that the liberation of media freedom laws for the election, is only till the election 1st of October, but the freedom does not extend to the questioning after, if the election was free and fair.

What is the only hope, is the Georgian people. That they see all this, and that they don't quit the protests, no matter how much it costs and how dangerous it is. Yes, it is, and we cry with you Georgia, I am truly deeply sorry for the cost of this, but it is necessary! Secondly, votes must be cast, for change. Some say, there is no change on the ticket, most parties still will vote in parliament for Misha and the dream movement is only old hacks rounded up again, so may be it, new strong youth movements can't get through without free debate and media. Still, I uphold, CAST A VOTE FOR CHANGE. If it is correct, none of them represent a change, then vote for change again next time. If those considering going in, at the cost it represents today, sees that you will overthrow ANY government, till a just one is elected, the good forces will soon run! Good luck Georgia! We are with you, the people of Georgia, and it is sad days, but with the hopes of a great future in the massive and continued protests!

Georgias Reputation Is Diminishing

An Appology, A Congratulation, A Wake-Up Call and A Warning

Georgia has in its modernization project focused on becoming what is called "rule of law" country. In itself it is not necessarily bad, but in Georgias case it has become so. A big problem is that "all" western countries wanted them to become it, and is standing behind it, because, as is true, that you have dealt with "street" crimes, now when it is safe to travel to Georgia and to stay there, business is blooming. A critique must therefore be made towards western interests who support the system in Georgia because it protects foreign investments in the country. Foreign investment is important for you, and it is important for it, to be protected. But both sides of this could be taken care of, without the system now in place. Hence, an appology to Georgians is necessary.

I have major critique of my own country to bring forth. We have a governmental organization in place, NorLag, to help your government becoming "rule of law". Our advice has not been good enough when the result is as it is. I also appologize for the lack of critique we have given your regime, this of cours, because we are guilty, protecting ourselves. As a norwegian journalist, Ragnar Skre, puts it, "our hard fate community". He has written alot about Georgia, and he is very critical of what Norway has done, or the lack of it.

The appology from the west (I am not Norway, nor any other western country, but live here, and feel we should appologize) should be from many countries for lack of critique. Norway is just the example, but the appology is also, but not restricted too, the lack of critique from our ambassador, he should have been out when the wrongs were done, always. Also Norway has had a place on Human Rights Council of UN, there has been a few countries criticising you there, but we should have spoken up, which we didn't do. I am sorry.

I want to go on and congratulate you, Georgia. The Georgian people has been  out now, for a week. There are hunger strikes, there a speeches, there are blogs, facebook is big, but most of all BIG DEMONSTRATIONS for a week in Tbilisi. Congratulations for your stamina, congratulations on your fight. We are with you, we watch you, and we notice that you refuse to give up, perfect!

As the picture shows, you want a democracy, you realize it is going the wrong way. And you are fighting for it. It also shows how many are out, this is a recent picture (from today or yesterday). The biggest congratulation is for the students organizing all this, even though some of them get arrested, and it is not safe, it is going on every day, keep going, is all I can say.

Georgia do need a wake-up call, however. Your reputation is diminishing. You have been praised and looked too by many countries. We have been surprised, proud and happy for your development, the progress that afterall has been made. But your support and your acceptance is disappering quickly now, with these things. There has been written many articles on how your President has gone from a democratic revolution, wanted by the people, to force himself on you, for the future. Italian Ambassador in Tbilisi warns, "no one is anointed for life". But Misha still have changed the law, taken a Putin all westerners say, to give the power from the Presidency, which he can't seek anymore, to prime minister, which he can be appointed. SCARY! for Georgians, the world is laughing at it. You who are anti Russia, is doing exactly as Russia, SHAME!

A proffessor at Columbia University in USA has said, in Washington we no longer view Georgia as a democracy. Norwegian media has written, now that it was election in Belarus, that Lukhasjenko of Belarus is Europes last dictator, but has gotten heavely competition from Ukrain and Georgia, that also wants/tries/have forces working for, dictatorship. Sad :( But this is the reality. Europe is about to turn their back on you, media worldwide is criticizing you, and people are laughing at Georgia. This must be changed. Hopefully it will, already, after 1st October! But keep up the protests! Demand better!

At the end, a warning. What will this result in? Well, of course it can lead to fewer investments, and withdrawel of the investments already there. It can lead to lower salaries, more poverty and hunger. It can put you in a situation where you can ONLY go to Russia. But this is long long term.

In the short term? Well, me for one, is on the fence, should we stop pressuring our politicians, should we stop supporting Georgia. Should we go out and take a stand AGAINST Georgia? I think the popular opinion will change quickly to that, which is, to say, Georgia must not get EU negotiations, Georgia must not be allowed into NATO, and Georgia should not get liberal visa regulations to west, because it is a dictatorship. You could be left alone, all alone, and it could, yet again, become dark in Georgia. I hope not, but if you will not win your fight against the bad system, my opinion will change to this. But I do have hope, I belive in these demonstrations, it is just a warning...

Georgian Police - for the government or for the people?

Georgian Police Crossing Lines

I have written about the torture of prisoners in Georgia. Unfortunately this wonderful country with its warm and delightful people has other major issus as well. Again, now, at the protests of this prison torture, the georgian police has started beating demonstrators, but it is old news, it was done in grand scale 26th May 2011 and 3rd January 2011 as well. The Georgian police is violent, it even has killed.

Prison guards are suspended from their jobs in Georgia now, and replaced by police, since they have tortured prisoners in the Georgian jails. But is this a reason for the prisoners to feel safe now? My wife, which is Georgian, watched online news this morning, and there we saw photos, and heard, prisoners calling out of the jail: "are the students not coming today!", with fear in their voices, it was clear to us, that they wanted visitors at the jails, student protesters outside, to feel a little bit more safe.

The answer is clearly NO! I can quote Amnesty International or Human Rigths Watch, there is plenty of article to back my claims on the internet, but not even that is necessary. As the picture I have posted, there are alot of photografs showing the abuse the Georgian police puts on their citizens, when they protest. Georgian police is not there to protect its citisens, it is there to carry out the cruelty Misha, their president, decides to impose on its people.

Also a problem is journalists safety and photografers rights in this country, but that claims its own blogpost itself. My point is only, that even though journalists and photografers are in danger in this country, also beeing abused, basicly haven a work-block, there still comes articles and pictures. As for mentioned 26th of May 2011 f.ex. many cameras was stolen by police, many pictures deleted and the photojournalists beaten as well. Luckily some pictures came out and some journalists and photografers still took the chance, so we have the evidence that the Georgian police is brutal.

 It is sad that a country with so much potential has such a long way to go, when it comes to freedom and human rights. The break new lines constantly, f.ex. there is also picture evidence of police hitting a woman in the face on the authorized protests of 3rd January 2011.

Alot could be mentioned, the police is often brutal, and I have read stories how a russian relative of the opposition leader Nino Burdjanadze needed medical attention twice after these encounters. But I want to limit myself to highlight, because it is more then enough evidence to conclude, that the police was brutal on the protests 3rd January 2011 by veteran georgian fighters, which was approved demonstrations, and on 26yh may 2011 which was approved opposition demonstrations, and this week, at the students protests. All these three occations, the police has used brutality and unnecessary force. Beating demonstrators to blood. In some cases, also proven by pictures and statement, demonstrators that are retrackting or even is tied up, or already laying on the streets.

I have read alot two newspapers from Georgia, Georgian Journal and Georgia Today. There has been articles showing how the police is training, with pictures too, at airfields, on how to approch demonstrators, not as in west to push them back, but to make a cubical square around them, blocking them in, moving in on them and beating them. SCARY! But it was exactly that tactic that was used on 26th May 2011. However then they came from different streets, but didn't think about blocking "house walls". So several persons escaped into buildings and up on the roofs on rustavelli street, back then. And two persons was found death. The police followed them, beat them and in this case even killed two. Georgian police is dangerous.

This time, all seemed to be peaceful. I thought in 2012, all of georgia lined behind the protest, and election to come, that the police would use more gracefullness. My wish, however, didn't come true. I read today on Democracy and Freedom Watch, and have talked to friends in Tbilisi, that saturday 22nd September 2012 the police used force, on students, beating them. Also arresting of course. One student, because he was behind the organization, was even hunted down and arrested, far from the demonstrations, going about his normal saturday business.

Also for a later post of course, because it is a horrible case in itself, and big, is the court system. But just to mention, already students are arrested, and in the Undemocratic Dictatorship of Georgia, they were quickly without defense put in front of a pro-government judge, and sentenced the same day as arrested till 40 days in prison, based on the statement by police officer that they insulted him. This is not freedom, this is not democracy, this is a policestate, a dictatorship, Georgia must fix more then the torture of prisoners in jail, the police must be just, there to protect the people and independent! I hope for a better future for Georgia, the wonderful people of this country deserves it!

Support for the abused Georgian prisoners

ALL AROUND THE WORLD

It is amazing to see the respons for support of human rights. We were all shocked and appalled when we saw the videos of how prisoners were tortured in Georgia. But it is touching to see how the Georgian people now stands up against that and all violence. How they fight and don't give up.

The streets in Tbilisi has been full. It almost became clashes between police and demonstrators when police tried to make way for public transportation. But that is the amazing thing with this. The streets of Tbilisi has been full, full with people and their words, but the abscense of violence is total.

Inhabitants of Tbilisi has been out everyday. So many that the streets has been full everyday. Even after three resignations and many promises, the people are still standing strong, demanding more, demanding a full just system, and demanding it peacefully, which has not always been the case with demonstrations in this city.

There has been quarrels, should political flags for opposition be allowed? should we attend the demonstrations by the student self-government body which is totally filled with pro-misha people. Several issus has made heathed arguments, but the people remain out on the streets, the remain firm and they remain peaceful. It is touching! AMAZING!

Not only in Tbilisi, all over Georgia there has been protests, huge once in Kutaisi and Batumi, but also many types in many cities. The country is united against violence and torture of prisoners. There is hope, there must be a better future, when the people refuse to give up.

What is nice is that there has been markings in more then three countries that only I have seen. I am sure much much more then that too. And I think the turnouts is amazing. There has basicly everywhere been more people then you can count on your fingers and your toes all together! Support is coming from all over, it is also so pleasant that it is reported by BBC, CNN and many other major newsoutlets. 





I wanted to report the support from Norway. I do not have all the correct information, but I have been told that Georgian community in Norway count about 150 people. When 26 people show up at a (close too) spontaneous marking in Oslo's main park (which also was not an announced marking and made some nervous, was it legal or not?) Frognerparken, then I belive ALL georgians should be proud. 26 in Norway on short notice went out and took a stand on your side. And it was said that it will be applied to the police for a legal permit and a bigger protest later. So in Oslo they are not satisfied with one marking, with 26 people, which I think, in itself, is fantastic. One more to come. I posted the picture from Norway for all of you to see!

There is hope, people are peaceful and optimistic. Georgians in the whole world is united on this issue, and this time, change will come. It is clear, already, that people are not ready to back down, untill the whole system is improved. Human Rigths is also the most solid value for Georgians! I send my support and my congratulations! Keep fighting and make the change through your elections on October 1st. Remember, those who don't vote (or vote for the regime that abused their power), are indirectly supporting this torture, make a bigger stand, in the democratic way, cast your ballott!

Abuse in Prison

Massive Abuse in Gldani Prison no. 8

Torture of an underaged prisoner in Gldani no. 8 filmed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ1qcbLeCsY&noredirect=1

It has for years been clear, that torture is beeing used by prison staff in Georgia. It has been reported by international organizations, georgian organizations and the ombudsman himself. It has all been ignored.

Now a video, obvious evidence, came out, and finally the georgian population reacted. The minister in charge has resigned, prison director fired and all prison guards suspended, replaced by police. This was after the first protests, and luckily the protests are still on going. Let's hope the georgian people don't take their eye of this issue now, when it finally has come to light in such clear way, before it is truly resolved. Which I don't think can happen, until there is a regime change. Those in charge who has ignored it, with knowledge for years, are not the once who can change it. In fact, I want to go so far as to say, a person who knows that something so horrible is going on, and ignores it, is as guilty as the one who performs it. And I will dear myself out on shaky grounds, and claim, that in fact, this has been the policy of the government, it is not only been ignored by them, but it has come from them. They have always talked "hard on crime" and jailed more then 99% of those put on trial, and when they also has known about the torture and not done anything, for me it is enough indicators, that it is the president himself who has wanted it this way!

Human rights are so important. It is not to be ignored, as simple as that. It is every countries duty to ensure that they are followed at all levels in their countries. It is universal, not to be disputed and debated, it is absolute. It is so sad, always, to read about any breech of human rights, no matter how systemized or small. But this report from Tbilisi, Georgia, where the one torture episode I linked to originally lasts 1,5 hour, of an underaged boy, in a jail, preformed by prison staff, on orders from the highest of the politicians, it is understandable that a whole country is in shock. We are all crying. We are all feeling a little bit of this boys enourmous pain within us. We all sympatize with him, support him, and will do our effort to spare him and others from more.

Reading about how Georgia is on a regular bases carrying out their tourture with blessings, and for years, is devastating. The whole world unites behind the common georgians protest against this system, and their demand for change. We are crying with you georgians, a better Georgia is needed. When we read reports back to 2006 where several murders are carried out in Georgian prisons, when we know the facts from the ombudsman about 140 deaths in 2011, 56 of the bodies showing clear evidence of torture. When we read medical report after report blaming "heart attack", which all knows comes after heavy torture, but is not the cause of death, we do see the cover up. When we read signed petitions from several hundred inmates of the conditions in the prisons. When we hear the news of monthly murders this year in their prisons. We see evidence upon evidence of this catastrofic system. It must be changed, and it must be the georgian people who demands it and make sure it is carried out.

There are voices criticizing the timing, and they are right. It has been known for long, probably filmed a while ago, and it is fist now, days before an election that it is released. The other side of it is however, that it HAS been known for years, and if their president, Misha, would have wanted to do something, he would already have taken action himself. It is understandable in my opinion, that people want to publish it now, of two reasons, in front of an election it can't be ignored (and they were right, Misha is now "trying" to do something, but not nearly enough) and I also think they have a point when it is used to get people to vote differently, a regime who has ignored it can't fix it, a new regime is needed, so yes, people should vote for a new direction. But, let it be clear, I totally agree with the critical voices, that it is much more important than to only be used for political gain. It is horrible, much should have been done already, and everything in such a case much be done as quickly as possible. I also condemn, if people have waited to publish, but there are strong reasons to understand their argument.

The conclusion is: Torture in Georgian prisons are common, it has been going on for years, and ignored by the sitting government. Human Rights are too important to be ignored, it must be respected and implemented. It is same on the government for ignoring this breech for years, but also critisism of people who has hung on to evidence for selfish purposes. Breech of human rights must be delt with as soon as possible. But this makes also a critisism of the georgian people who should have known, from the reports, for years, and should have protested before. And in my opinion, the things the government has said, signals towards hardship on crime, their record of 99% of trials end in convictions, and their ignoration of the reports before, makes it clear, it is Misha's Georgia who has implemented this system, and wanted it this way, the blame is fully on the entire government. The action following the conclusion must therefore be, the people must continue protesting, continue careing about this issue, don't stop till the system is changed, but also, which might be wrong for a foreigner, lead to big voter tournout (those who doesn't want approve of the sitting government and this system, SHAME on you!) and that the votes be casted for CHANGE.

It has been drawn to my attention, both by english writing georgian media and by georgians I speak with, that many "opposition" parties will vote with the government anyways, and those who doesn't has many "bad" people on their lists, not new, fresh and for change people, but Shevernadze people on new lists. I understand, it is few good alternatives, but what georgian people need to do, is to send a signal. Vote for change, cast your votes and demand a change, and if those are not good as is said already, then change THEM again with next election. Bad sitting politicians, must be told, we don't want you anymore, and with that let's hope there will grow up a new youth, and new movement, with politicians with morals and values, with principals, that will take Georgia to freedom and properity. But you MUST vote for change, so a change can have a chance of happening (the leader might be able to guide these old "bad" people in better direction then last time around), but most of all, you must vote, sitting at home is just support of this torture, then you will be guilty yourself! We pray with you, Georgians!