OC Media is an independent media platform focused on news, issues, analysis and backgrounds from the Caucasus region. Based in Tbilisi, they obviously have a tireless watch on political shifts and protests in Georgia.
This week, they published an excellent write-up on the legislative changes introduced and passed by Georgia’s ruling party since 2023, which have pushed the country further down an authoritarian path.
Here’s where you can find the article and if you like what you read, consider supporting their effort to become the first member-funded media platform in the Caucasus.
People gathered outside the Georgian Parliament for an overnight sit-in on the eve of the third reading of the so-called ‚Russian Law‘, May 2024.
Today, May 26th, is a national holiday in Georgia, commemorating the day in 1918 when the Democratic Republic of Georgia was established.
To all my friends in Georgia: I wish you a happy Independence Day! Especially in these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to remember what’s at stake—not just in Georgia, but everywhere.
A young protester on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue during 2024’s demonstrations against the „Russian Law“.
For over 130 consecutive days, people have been protesting in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, and across the country, demanding free and fair elections, the release of all political prisoners, and the continuation of the EU accession process. Slowly, however, voices of doubt are beginning to emerge—not questioning the necessity of the protests, but rather the prospects of their success.
One such voice belongs to Tornike Metreveli, Associate Professor at Lund University, who is, as he describes it, writing „from grief, solidarity, and stubborn hope“. In an article published on his Substack he discusses why „Georgian protests need a paradigm shift“.
„What Georgia needs now is something closer to a vineyard. A vineyard doesn’t bloom overnight. It is planted with care, rooted deep into hard soil, pruned through seasons, and tended across generations. It requires patience, labor, trust in cycles. And when it bears fruit, it does so not just once, but year after year—sustaining life long after the storm has passed. Protest may spark change, but only the slow, deliberate work of cultivation can make that change endure.“
It is a thought-provoking perspective on how to move forward and definitely food for thought. „What I am calling for is not less resistance, but deeper resistance—not retreat, but resilience.“
You can subscribe to his Substack or pledge your support here.
„Never too small to make a difference“ – success starts with belief, Tbilisi, May 2024.
Ghia Nodia is a professor of political science at Ilia State University and director of the Caucasus Institute for Peace, Democracy, and Development in Tbilisi, Georgia. In a recent article published online in the Journal of Democracy, he analyzed the current situation in Georgia, laying our why Georgians will never give up. „Everyone realizes that if the public is defeated now, there might not be another chance for a long time.“
Meaning another chance to turn things around because, as he states, „the ruling party’s fundamental weakness is that its policies go against the core of Georgia’s national project as long understood and endorsed by most of its people“. It’s a compelling read to understand what’s at stake for the Georgian population.
Flashing a victory sign during a demonstration behind the Georgian Parliament, May 2024.
On this day in 1921, Georgia was occupied by the Soviets as Tbilisi fell to the Red Army. To commemorate the occupation, demonstrations will take place across Tbilisi, each honoring a hero of the 1921 war. The groups will unite at Heroes Square before marching toward the Georgian Parliament where a final rally will be held.
Look at this country, look at these people.
Carrying the torch last year in May during the demonstrations against the „Russian Law“ in Tbilisi.
Commitment, determination, a spirit of resilience—along with a sense of unity and moments of joy—left a strong impression on me during the protests against the ‚Russian Law‘ in Tbilisi in May 2024.
Eighty days and counting. The Georgian people continue to take to the streets every day and night, protesting in the capital, Tbilisi, and cities across the country. They are demanding new and fair elections, the release of all political prisoners, and the continuation of the EU accession process.
This is a prime example of unwavering civic engagement in the fight for democracy—organized by civil society. We, as the „Western world,“ should watch and learn.
„Never surrender“—this idea has carried the protests from May of last year, when I met this young man, to today, 80 days after the current demonstrations began.
While the protests are still going on and going strong in Georgia, for the 58th day in a row, new and creative ways are emerging. Such as today, the hacking of payment machines in Tbilisi busses, so that people heard the declaration of Georgian independence: „I am Georgian, therefor I am European“ among other protest songs and speeches.
Embodying resolve and resilience – a woman protesting the „Russian Law“ in Tbilisi, May 2024.
